STEVE Tilson believes winning promotion via the play-offs is the best way to go up – and he should know!

Tilson remains the only Southend United manager to have guided his team to play-off glory, beating Lincoln City 2-0 in the 2005 final at the Millennium Stadium.

And it is a victory Tilson insists he will never forget.

“For me, if you could write your own script and choose how to win promotion, then you would go for the play-offs every time,” said the 48-year-old.

“To get that day out, especially now it’s back at Wembley, is extra special and I’ll certainly never forget that day.

“The highlight for me was seeing Duncan Jupp running about 200 metres with his arms in the air after scoring.

“I don’t think he really knew what to do because I’m not sure he had ever scored before, but it was just brilliant.”

Ten years on, the current Shrimpers side are looking to follow in the footsteps of Tilson’s team.

And Tilson, who also lined up for Blues close to 300 times as a player, is backing Phil Brown’s team to work their way through to the final by beating Stevenage in the second leg of their semi-final tonight/

“I thought Southend looked the better team on Sunday and I fancy them to win tonight,” said Tilson.

“Stevenage scored a great goal, but I think they needed something like that to get a goal, whereas Southend looked a bit more threatening.

“I think going back to Roots Hall and playing on a much better pitch will also suit Southend.”

Tilson also expects Wycombe Wanderers to see Plymouth Argyle off in the other semi-final, which is also being played tomorrow night.

But he knows Blues can’t afford to get ahead of themselves.

“I do think it will be Southend against Wycombe in the final and that would be a great game, but the team can’t look any further than the Stevenage game,” said Tilson.

“Play-off matches are really nervy too, but I’m confident the team can do it and I certainly hope they do too.