COURTNEY Wood is currently thriving in the pressure cooker atmosphere of the hit BBC TV show the Apprentice.

But not even the twists and turns of Alan Sugar’s boardroom can compare with the thrills and spills of supporting Southend United.

Wood - who lives in Thurrock - has now been following Blues for close to 20 years.

And he can still vividly recall his first ever match at Roots Hall.

“It was against Bradford City and we were wearing the custard splat kit which is still my favourite ever shirt,” said Wood, 29.

“My football team in Thurrock came and did a soccer school with Frankie Banks and we all got a ticket to see the game.

“After that I was hooked and I had a season ticket for eight years in the West Stand with my dad and brother.

“We used to go home and away but due to work it’s hard for me to get to the games as often now which is really annoying.

“But I’ll hopefully have some down-time at Christmas so I’ll be aiming to come along to the games around that time.”

Wood was also at Roots Hall for the recent 1-1 draw with Swindon Town.

However, it is a memorable win at Gillingham which he still remembers with great fondness.

“Of course all the big games like Man United and Chelsea are up there but I particularly remember winning at Gillingham,” recalled Wood.

“We were losing 1-0 up until the 89th minute when Joroen Boere scored and then Regis Coulbault got the winner in stoppage time.

“ I was right at the front and he came running over to me.

“He hugged me and I got crushed but it’s still right up there with my favourite ever games.”

These days however, Wood is fully focused on his own career and is now down to the final eight in the Apprentice after successfully working his way through the audition process.

“I watched the final of the last series and thought I could do it so it all went from there,” said Wood.

“I was looking for an investor in my company, Bubblegum Stuff, and I thought Lord Sugar would be perfect.

“I got through three auditions and I loved filming it all but I can’t give out any spoilers I’m afraid.”

And Wood is still not sure whether he will be successful in mentioning the Shrimpers on the show.

“I kept on trying to mention Southend but we film 120 hours for one show so I’m not sure if it will get in,” he added.

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