MARK Phillips has spoken of his pride and honour after being crowned Southend United’s player of the year.

But his sights are now firmly set on picking up an even bigger prize.

Phillips has been outstanding for Blues at the heart of the back four all season.

However, he is desperate for his memorable campaign to conclude with promotion.

“It was a massive honour for me to win player of the season but I’d definitely swap it for promotion,” said Phillips.

“Going up into League One has been our target all season and we’re still in with a great chance of doing that.

“Team success always matters more than what you achieve as an individual but it’s obviously very nice to have won the award.

“It surprised me as well because although I thought I had done OK I had never really thought of myself as a fans’ favourite, so I thought one of the players who was would get picked.

“But it was a nice shock to get it."

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY'S ECHO