WILL Atkinson feels Southend United’s previous Wembley experience could prove crucial in this weekend’s League Two play-off final with Wycombe Wanderers.

Blues face the Chairboys at the home of English football this weekend.

And Atkinson, who has already played twice at Wembley with Bradford City, feels Blues’ Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final against Crewe Alexandra back in 2013, could put them in good stead for Saturday’s clash.

“A lot of the lads at Southend are still in and around the team from the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final, so hopefully that can work to our advantage at the weekend,” said the 26-year-old.

“I remember the first time I went to Wembley with Bradford the nerves were there and we ended up losing the game.

“But the second time I felt a lot more at ease in the surroundings and that did help so hopefully it will be the same for Southend on Saturday.”

Atkinson played for Bradford in the League Cup final against Swansea in February 2013, a clash the Welsh side won 5-0, before he returned with the Bantams three months later to help them beat Northampton Town 3-0 in the League Two play-off final.

And Atkinson, who has started Blues’ last 10 games, now cannot wait to head back to Wembley with Southend.

“It’s everyone’s dream to play at Wembley and I’m lucky to have played there before a couple of times,” said the midfielder.

“But it will be a real big honour to go with this group of lads, this team and club and I just hope we can do the job because winning the play-offs is the best way to win promotion.

“To do it on the day at such a special stadium like Wembley gives you a feeling which not many other things can match.

“We’re all looking forward to the game and hopefully we will all have that feeling at the end of the game this weekend.”

And a victory would certainly be celebrated in Atkinson’s household as he lives with team-mates Barry Corr and Ryan Leonard.

“I live with Lenny and Barry, I won’t say too much but it’s been eventful,” laughed Atkinson.

“They’ve been really good to me because I’m not from round here so they’ve made me feel really welcome and it would be great to get promotion with a group of lads like this.”

But Atkinson knows Blues will have to be at their best to beat Wycombe, who finished on the same number of points as Phil Brown’s side.

“Wycombe have been up there all year and it’s going to be a close game but if we bring our best game to the table then I fancy us to win,” said Atkinson. “However, it’s all about making sure you do that on the day by dealing with the occasion.”