CENTRAL defender Spencer Prior leaves Southend United on a low note tomorrow following their relegation from the Championship.

But the stopper - who has enjoyed to spells with the Shrimpers - believes Steve Tilson's side will soon be bouncing back to the division from League One.

"The infrastructure at Southend is so much better now," he said.

"It's what it should be and, although it may not happen straight away, I think that after maybe a couple of years of consolidation they can definitely get back to the Championship."

The upturn in Blues' fortunes over the past few years has also pleased Prior.

He was saddened to see the Shrimperes slide down the league standings during his 11 years away from the club after leaving in 1993 to join Norwich City.

"It was terrible to see what was happening to the place during that time," Prior added.

"They almost went out of the league altogether and they were paying too much money for players who were quite frankly awful.

"Maybe we had to go through that to get to where we are now, but thing are a lot more promising and the crowds have been fantastic this year."