A YEAR ago, Bilel Mohsni was an unknown French footballer playing park matches in Paris.

But, in the space of just 12 months, the commanding centre-back has gone from zero to hero by establishing himself as one of the most highly rated youngsters in the English lower leagues.

Mohsni’s eye catching and energetic displays have made him a firm favourite with the Roots Hall faithful.

And his improving performances even saw Blackpool, who were then in the Premier League, table a £200, 000 bid for him at the end of the January transfer window.

“I’m very pleased with how my first year has gone with Southend,” said Mohsni, who turns 24 this week.

“There have been disappointments, like not making the play-offs and getting injured, but I’m happy with how things have gone because it was very tough to begin with.

“In England the ball is in the air a lot more than in France where football is played on the ground but I like that and it had always been a dream of mine to come and play over here.

“Just like everyone else, I also have dreams of playing higher.

“So because of that it was flattering that Blackpool wanted to sign me and it showed I must have done well but I’m more than happy to be at Southend.”

That is now the same off the pitch too as Mohsni has settled well in south east Essex.

Despite the popular terrace chant sung by the club’s supporters, his English has now improved too and that has helped him adjust to a new lifestyle.

“I just picked words up from my team-mates and my English has improved a lot now,” said Mohsni.

“I probably learnt the swear words first but England is a beautiful country and I like living here.

“It’s different to Paris and I found it strange to start with that everywhere shut at 5.30pm.

“But to be honest all I do is sleep a lot and play football so it hasn’t been a problem moving here.”

As part of the move, Mohsni has also had to cope with the demands of full time training for the first time.

That is in contrast to playing in France which he combined training and playing with working in a local school.

“I went in to help the kids who were struggling with their lessons,” said Mohsni.

“I helped them with a number of subjects like Maths and French and it was something that I really did enjoy.”

However, Mohsni is now happy to be focused on just football and he is keen to improve even further this season.

The Frenchman is aiming to figure in more matches and he feels that a change in attitude can make that happen.

“I think I need to try and calm down when I play,” said Mohsni.

“Last season I was sent off a couple of times and then had to miss games being suspended so I don’t want that to happen again.

“I think I can do it and need to stop getting involved in silly things on the pitch.”

But that is not Mohsni’s only target and he wants to also play a part in Blues winning promotion this term.

“We have a good team and we should do well,” said the defender.

“Hopefully we can make the play-offs and least this season and I want my first year to be even better than the first because of the fans.

“They have been great to me and I would love for them to have something to really celebrate.”