I WOKE up yesterday morning feeling like I had a hangover and all I had drunk was orange and lemonade as I don’t drink alcohol!

The match against West Ham United was, after the birth of my children, one of the most special nights of my life.

We won 3-1 but it was more than just the result and performance.

We had 4,600 people there and, while people may doubt the support we will get, we actually had 1,500 more fans at our ground than were at Southend United on the same night.

I haven’t actually had a chance to look back at what has happened at the club. I have been too busy getting it done but against West Ham I took it all in and was blown away. I had to wipe the tears from my eyes.

We proved we could do it on the pitch against a very good side and the boys needed to turn it on and our pre-season had not been a success until that game.

Every game we made changes to get the team right. We started with what we believe is the strongest XI but look at who was left out - the likes of Rob Swaine.

Leo Chambers came in and I think Leo could be the first youngster I have a problem with in terms of a club offering big money for his services. We have been conceding too many goals so we played Leo as a sweeper and it worked.

In terms of the captaincy, I am undecided. Rob Davies was captain against West Ham but came off with an injury so he is a doubt for Saturday, as is Rob Swaine.

I think Rob will get the captaincy because of his attitude. It was tremendous the other night and it is what I need. But he has to earn it.

The first league match on Saturday is against Kingstonian and my friend Craig Edwards.

Craig is a very good manager and the only reason he isn’t here is because I thought I could do it better as I wanted players he didn’t want.

He will set up strongly and I could not have wished for a better opener.