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IT will be a case of divided loyalties for former Southend United defender Dave Cusack at Roots Hall on Friday.

For although the no nonsense centre back made more than 200 appearances during five years at Roots Hall, he also spent two seasons as manager of Rovers.

And he still holds both clubs very close to his heart.

"I have a real fondness for Southend and Doncaster so I will be cheering for both teams," said Cusack "I can't really lose in a way so I just want the best team to win, which over two legs I'm sure they will, and whoever progresses I want to go up."

Cusack, who lives locally, in Pitsea, will be watching the match with his former Blues team-mate Micky Stead who also played for both teams and they are looking forward to the encounter.

"Micky and I still speak all the time and decided to go along to what should be a good game," said the 51-year-old.

"Steve Tilson will have Southend fully motivated and they have been in great form over the last quarter of the season.

"They will want to keep that going but you just don't know what is going to happen in these kinds of games.

"I can't predict what will happen and I doubt anyone could but that just adds to the excitement."

That means Cusack, who was with Blues between 1978 and 1983, will be watching on intently from the stands.

And although he will be wishing both teams all the best, he could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

"I got sold by Southend when I didn't want to go and I got sacked by Doncaster when I didn't deserve to," recalled Cusack.

"It wasn't nice at the time but it hasn't made me think any less of the clubs."

Cusack remains involved in the game as an owner at Essex Senior League side Basildon United.

On top of that he still keeps an eye on the Shrimpers' progress and does likewise with Doncaster due to his friendship with their owner John Ryan.

"I know him well and I have been to watch them this season against Northampton," he said.

"They were awful that night but I'm sure they must normally play better than that otherwise they wouldn't be where they are in the league."

Doncaster eventually finished third in the League One standings but only after dropping out of the automatic promotion places on the final day of the season following a 2-1 defeat away at Cheltenham Town.

"That may work in Southend's favour," he predicted.

"I think Carlisle would have been the best team to play because they're struggling at the moment, but Doncaster would have been my second choice if you're looking at it with a Southend hat on.

"Leeds are the ones to avoid at this stage and they will be hard to beat because they are playing well again now.

"Southend have done well though and will be confident of going through and getting to Wembley which would be superb for the area."

9:31am Thursday 8th May 2008

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