THIS day five years ago may be best remembered for England winning the Rugby Union World Cup.

But closer to home it was also the start of something even more memorable for Southend United supporters as Steve Tilson took charge at Roots Hall.

Following the departure of Steve Wignall and then-caretaker chief David Webb, the former Blues midfielder, who was working in the youth department at the time, was promoted into the hot-seat.

He guided the side to a 4-0 victory at home Rochdale and that turned out to be the start of something special as Tilson has gone on to secure a number of highlights including successive promotions to secure a place in the Championship.

“It’s mad how quickly the five years have gone and it’s funny how it’s all worked out,” said Tilson.

“To start with I only thought I was going to be doing it for a couple of weeks. There was a lot of talk about Ian Atkins or Stan Collymore coming in and I was just in charge before someone else took control.

“However, things went well and we just kept on going.

“Apart from the relegation we had there have been some great moments and I’m really pleased with how it’s gone.”

Tilson, who was a fans favourite as a player - making 275 appearances, becomes just the seventh Southend manager to enjoy five years in charge.

During that spell he has led Blues to two LDV Vans Trophy finals at the Millennium Stadium, victory over Manchester United in the Carling Cup and two promotions.

“The players have all been fantastic and we’ve had some great moments,” he said.

“The two promotions stick out straight away as being the best but going to Cardiff was just amazing and beating Man United wasn’t too bad either.

“Getting in the play-offs was a great achievement last season too and thankfully there haven’t been too many low points.

“The relegation was the worst feeling I’ve had but even then the lads were great and really gave it a go in what is a massive, massive league.”

Tilson has again worked wonders on a small budget this term and the long term ambition remains to regain a place in the Championship.

“That’s what we’re working towards,” said the 42-year-old.

“Getting the new stadium will give us the impetus we need to go forward and I think once that happens we can really push on again.”

How Tilson ranks among other Southend United managers

Highest percentage of wins

1. David Webb 42.91%, 2. Eddie Perry 42.39%, 3. Steve Tilson 42.18%, 4. Harry Warren 39.92%, 5. Dave Smith 39.73%

Lowest percentage of defeats

1. Dave Smith 32.16%, 2. Steve Tilson 33.09%, 3. Ernie Shepherd 34.11%, 4. David Webb 34.60%, 5. Harry Warren 35.24%

*Managers must have been in charge for 100 games or more to figure.

Top 10 longest serving managers in Premier and Football Leagues

1. Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) 22 seasons, 2. Graham Turner (Hereford United) 13 seasons, 3. Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) 12 seasons, 4. John Coleman (Accrington Stanley) Nine seasons, 5. David Moyes (Everton) Six seasons, 6. Martin Ling (Leyton Orient) Five seasons, 7. Steve Coppell (Reading) Five seasons, 8 .Steve Tilson (Southend United) Five seasons, 9. Paul Fairclough (Barnet) Four seasons, 10. John Still (Dagenham and Redbridge) Four seasons.