ALAN McCormack is relishing a return to Roots Hall tonight with Charlton Athletic.

The tough tackling Irish midfielder made 166 appearances while with Blues before leaving last summer.

And he cannot wait to face his former side.

“As soon as the draw as made there was a tingle going down the back of my spine,” said McCormack, 26.

“I am really looking forward to the game and coming back to Southend to see the fans and staff.

“I had so many great times at the football club and I look back on my time there with fond memories even though things did end on a low note.”

McCormack was unable to stop Blues suffering relegation from League One last season.

But he is now enjoying his football again and he is also pleased to see Southend have made a solid start to the campaign.

“Everyone has moved on now and we’re all smiling again so long may that continue for both of us,” said McCormack.

“It was always going to take time for Southend to settle down with 10 new players in their starting line-up but everyone I’ve spoken to has told me that Paul Sturrock is doing a fantastic job.

“Things are beginning to gel together too and that was shown by them coming back twice at Macclesfield on Saturday so it will be a difficult game for us this evening.

“Hopefully they can carry on doing well and get back to where they belong because I still have a lot of friends in Southend and I would love to see them do well - just not tonight.”

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY'S ECHO