LUKE Amos is eager to end the season in style at Southend United with words of wisdom from Ugo Ehiogu still ringing in his ears.

Ehiogu - who had worked with Amos for the past three years at White Hart Lane - died last week after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club’s training ground.

And Amos insists he will never forget his final chat with former Aston Villa and England defender.

“Ugo came down to Southend the day we played Bolton and I couldn’t have had a better send off from him,” said the 20-year-old.

“He told me to keep working hard, to keep doing my best and to control what I could and I’ll always be grateful for everything he did for me.

“He was a great coach but he was also a great man. He was really down to earth and was always free to talk to you at any time.

“Ugo could lift you after a bad game or bad performance and what’s happened doesn’t seem real.

“I saw him pretty much every day for three years and then suddenly he just isn’t here anymore. My thoughts are with his wife and young family and I would like them to know we’re all thinking about them at the moment.

“It’s very sad but I’ll always remember what he taught me and I’m determined to use it to have a good career and a good end to the season with Southend.”

Amos joined Blues on loan from Spurs in January.

The midfielder has started twice since arriving at Roots Hall but is relishing being a part of Phil Brown’s squad as they bid to make the play-offs.

“It’s brilliant and I’m learning so much all the time,” said Amos.

“There is a positive vibe around the place and we’re all looking forward to the Bury game now. Some of the results haven’t gone our way just recently but if you look at the stats from most of the matches then they suggest we should have won.

“But it’s all come down to Sunday now so hopefully we can show why we are where we are in the table and why Bury are where they are as well.”

The Shrimpers head into the game sitting seventh in the League One table, a point below sixth placed Millwall, despite having been beaten four times in their last five outings.

However, Amos is hoping another good atmosphere at Roots Hall this weekend can help Blues come out on top.

“The fans can really make a difference and Roots Hall has a really good atmosphere,” said Amos.

“I’ve learnt here how the support can give you an extra yard and hopefully that will happen on Sunday.”