MORE Southend United fans will be watching their side in action than ever before when Blues do battle with Crewe Alexandra in the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Shrimpers’ supporters have already snapped up more tickets than the previous club best of 31,033 which was set for an FA Cup clash against Liverpool in 1979.

And the news that the total has already topped 31,100 has delighted the club’s chief executive Steve Kavanagh.

“As soon as we realised that 30,000 was achievable we set about reaching a record attendance of more than 31,033,” said Kavanagh.

“To have reached it is absolutely fantastic and just shows the potential of Southend United.

“It’s going to be an incredible day and I for one can’t wait to see more than 31,000 Blues fans singing their hearts out at Wembley Stadium.”

But it is not just Shrimpers’ supporters who could be making history at the weekend as new manager Phil Brown also has the chance to work his way in to the competition’s record books.

Brown captained Bolton Wanderers when they won the competition back in 1989 beating Torquay United 4-1 in the final. And no one has ever won the Trophy as both a captain and a manager.

“It would be fantastic if we were able to win it, but it’s going to be a great day for everyone associated with the football club, not just myself,” said Brown (pictured below).

“Football is an amazing game and I’m a very lucky boy to be leading a team out at Wembley just two weeks into a new job.

“But having had the two games last weekend I now feel more comfortable in my own skin that I’m going to be doing that.”

However, being at Wembley will be nothing new for Brown, who also managed Hull City to victory in the Championship play-off final against Bristol City back in 2008.

“That was one of the best days of my life and there is just something extra special about Wembley,” said Brown.

“I’m lucky to have been a part of sides that have gone there four or five times during my career and I can’t wait to go there again with Southend this weekend.

“We’re in for a very tough test against a Crewe side who are in the league above us.

“But hopefully we can get the victory and there would be no greater place to get my first win as manager of the club.”