STEVE Tilson believes Ron Martin’s presence in the Southend United dressing room would only have had a negative affect on the team – and he should know.

Tilson spent seven years in charge of Blues before Paul Sturrock took control in July 2010.

And Tilson revealed Martin twice came in to confront the players during his own spell at Roots Hall.

“It happened a couple of times and it definitely had a negative affect on things,” said the ex-Blues boss who has now launched his own footballing academy with Danny Greaves.

“I felt it made the players nervous and undermined me as well.

“As chairman he had employed me to take charge of the dressing room so why was he then coming in to talk to the players?

“I certainly didn’t like it and I think the best chairmen are the ones you very rarely see.”