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BRIAN Wheeler will be bringing his seven-year spell with the Shrimpers to an end this evening.

The 47-year-old, who worked as the Shrimpers' commercial manager, has played a huge part in helping to transform the club's off the field fortunes during his time at Roots Hall.

But he has now opted to leave and will be moving to Cyprus to sell property.

"It's been a wonderful experience working for Southend United, but it's time for a change," said Wheeler.

"I've met some fantastic people along the way and had enjoyed some great moments.

"We've had two promotions, three trips to the Millennium Stadium and also beat Manchester United, which have all been amazing to be a part of."

While many fans will have witnessed those triumphs though, Wheeler's work behind the scenes has been just as crucial.

He has significantly raised Blues' marketing revenues and has overeseen the introduction of a number of new systems.

The club's database has gone from being below 1,000 to now being above 60,000 and matchday hospitality packages now cater for more than 400, significantly higher than Wheeler's starting figure of 60.

"The club is unrecognisable from how it was seven years ago and, with the new stadium on the horizon, the only way is up," he said.

"Our matchday experience has been recognised as the number one throughout all of the Football League clubs for the last two consecutive seasons and Southend United is a club that is really going places."

Wheeler has also been the "man on the mic" at the home games for the past three seasons.

And he will miss being a part of the Blues backroom team.

"I have really loved being involved in football and it has been a pleasure working at Roots Hall," he said.

"Like any job there are stressful times, but I'm going to miss the people and the matchdays as well."

Wheeler will continue to track Southend's results and will fly back for the final of the play-offs at Wembley on Sunday, May 25, if Steve Tilson's side can see off Doncaster Rovers.

But he now looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead away from Southend.

"I have a job selling villas and apartments for a British company selling to British people and it is something that I am excited about," he said.

"To wake up every day with the sun shining will be great and I will still be able to keep up with the football.

"I will also be covering Florida and will be making the odd trip over to the USA, so exciting times lay ahead."

11:10am Friday 9th May 2008

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