MARK Tinkler feels two of his former sides will regard a victory as vital when they go head to head at Roots Hall tomorrow.

The ex midfielder knows Southend United will be desperate to bounce back from their surprising FA Cup defeat to Chester on their return to league action.

But he also knows bottom of the table Hartlepool United will be equally as keen to secure all three points as they bid to strengthen their survival chances.

“It’s a big game for both teams and they will both want the win for different reasons,” said Tinkler, 40.

“Hartlepool are bottom and will want that to soon change because the longer you’re down there the harder it is to get out of trouble.

“They will therefore want the three points against Southend, who I’m sure will be looking to get promotion this season.

“It’s a big game for them as well and they need to try and capatalise on Hartlepool’s bad form by really going after them.”

Tinkler will certainly be keeping tabs on the game at Roots Hall after enjoying his own spell with both of the sides.

The midfielder, who represented England at under 18 level, started his career with Leeds United before making the switch to York City.

While with the Minstermen he played for Alan Little and had no hesitation in following him to Roots Hall.

Tinkler signed for the Shrimpers in August 1999 and went on to make 61 appearances for the club.

“It took me a little bit of time to settle at Southend but I really did enjoy it there in the end,” recalled Tinkler.

“It’s a really good club with very passionate fans and it was just a shame the results weren’t a bit better and that we didn’t get promotion while I was there.

“Unfortunately Alan Little got the sack in my second season but I actually also really enjoyed playing for David Webb who replaced him.

“We got some good results but he was very honest about the situation and told me he had to get rid of the players who were on a bit more money.

“I ended up going to Hartlepool and I had seven fantastic years at that football club.”

Tinkler made 245 appearances while with the Monkeyhangers and enjoyed two promotions and four play-off finishes while at Victoria Park.

And he believes it was the side’s team spirit which helped them secure such success.

“Team spirit is crucial, especially in the league Southend and Hartlepool are now in,” said Tinkler.

“We had a great group of lads and seven or eight of us still get together every year even now.

“We all go for dinner with our wives or we go away on holiday and I think that shows how close we are were and still are.

“If you can have that kind of bond that it can really give you an advantage.”

But, while the current Southend side will be battling it out against Hartlepool, Tinkler will be concentrating on his own job – coaching Middlesbrough’s youth team.

Tinkler has worked at the Riverside Stadium for the past seven seasons and relishes his role working with the club’s young players.

“I work with the under 18 side and it’s a fantastic place to work,” said Tinkler.

“I previously worked with the under 14s and the under 16s and I love what I’m doing.

“Middlesbrough have a great academy and they’ve brought through some really good players.

“I don’t know what the future will hold for me but I’m really enjoying this at the moment.”

Tinkler is therefore fully focused on helping more players come through the ranks at Middlesbrough.

And he could well soon be back at Roots Hall himself, if Southend can see off Barnet in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.

“We will travel to the winners of the tie and of course it would be nice if we were to get Southend,” said Tinkler.

“I haven’t been back to Roots Hall too many times since I left so it would be great.

“I also think it would be a good game because we have some very good players in our system at the moment.”