SOUTHEND United’s most famous ever player Stan Collymore has revealed he was a nervous wreck watching the Shrimpers’ play-off final at Wembley.

Collymore, who bagged 18 goals in 33 games for Blues during the 1992/93 season, was tracking Southend’s game on his way to Newcastle.

And the 44-year-old found it tough to watch the penalties.

“I have no any fingernails left after watching that,” Collymore told Echosport. “I would love to have gone to the game but I had to get the 4pm train to Newcastle to cover their game with West Ham for Talksport.

“I was tracking the Southend game on my way there and then watched it when I got there but it wasn’t easy viewing.

“I thought it wasn’t ever going to happen and that it was going to be another disappointing season for the club.

“But it was fantastic to see the late goal go in and the penalties they took were fantastic.

“I was very nervous watching them because Southend is a club close to my heart and I’m just so happy they’ve managed to win promotion.”

Blues triumphed 7-6 on penalties after the two teams had been locked level at 1-1 at the end of extra time.

And Collymore was full of praise for goalkeeper Daniel Bentley who managed to superbly save two of Wycombe’s spot-kicks.

“I looked at the goalie and you could just tell he was in the zone,” said the former England striker.

“He was the epitome of focus and that impressed me and so did the managers standing side by side for the penalties.

“That for me encapsulated the spirit of the day and I hope to be back at Roots Hall to watch a game in League One next season now.”