ADAM Crowther is keen to keep on delivering for Southend United.

The defender has impressed for the Shrimpers since signing from King’s Lynn Town in January.

And the centre-back is benefitting from opting to focus solely on football.

“I was a delivery driver for Tesco’s up until last summer, “said Crowther.

“I was doing it when I was at Cheshunt and in my first season at King’s Lynn too in the evenings.

“My mum was out at work all day, my dad was in the office and I was just sat there doing nothing after training so I felt bad.

“I was delivering everyone’s food and it was heavy lifting though so I did need to stop it to look after my body better.”

And doing the right kind of work away from the training ground is something Crowther has started to take more seriously.

“I didn’t really realise how important that side of things were so I gave up that job to focus on football, “said Crowther.

“I put more time into the gym and was more like a proper footballer.

“I didn’t really know what that was and even coming to Southend has helped me more with that side of things.

“I’m doing the right kind of gym work now, thanks to Stef (Russo) rather than just going in on my own doing bodybuilding stuff.

“It’s a big learning curve but one I’m really enjoying.”

Crowther is also relishing his role on the pitch.

The defender has started the last 10 matches for the Shrimpers.

And surprised even himself with the number of matches he has played.

“I couldn’t really have imagined it all going any better than it has with how I’ve settled in,” said Crowther.

“I wasn’t expecting to play too many games this season but I’ve managed to end up in the team and would like to think I’ve done reasonably well.

“I’m really enjoying my football and I’m so glad I decided to come to Southend.

“It’s definitely proved to be the right decision and long may that continue with success.”

Blues have now gone nine games without defeat following Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Hartlepool United.

And Crowther felt the Shrimpers were made to dig deep for their share of the spoils.

“It was a tough game, especially with the travelling and the congestion of games we’d had,” said Crowther.

“I thought we did OK.

“There wasn’t much in the game, it was hard and the surface wasn’t great either.

“Both teams struggled to get going which I think might have affected each other.

“But I thought we did well to keep a clean sheet and come away with a point.”

The Shrimpers are now without a game until facing Woking at Roots Hall this weekend.

But Crowther has enjoyed the busy schedule which saw Blues playing nine times in 28 days.

“It’s been tough but we’ve been done really well and I enjoy it,” said Crowther.

“We’ve got a bit of a break now and that’s probably come at the right time but we all enjoy playing games.

“You do start to feel it a bit but we’re looking forward to being back at home on Saturday.”

And Crowther is expecting a keenly fought clash.

“It will be another tough game like they all are,” said the defender.

“They’ve picked up form recently but they’re still in an area where they need to pick up points and so do we so it will be a competitive game.

“But we want to win every game we have left and pick up as many points as possible.

“The boys have done well throughout the season to get to where we are and now we want to try and finish off strongly.”