SOUTHEND United’s Division Four championship winning side have been reunited at Roots Hall.

The side, who raced away with the title back in 1981, were all back at Blues for Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Shrewsbury Town.

And Andrew Leeder, of the Shrimpers Trust, felt the day was a great success.

“It had been months in the planning and to get 20 ex-players from the Dave Smith era at Roots Hall was fantastic,” said Leeder.

“Chairman Ron Martin’s support, and help from many at the club, was vital in getting things off the ground.

“A number of the ex-players had travelled a long way to be there.

“Alan Moody came down from his home in Middlesbrough and Dave Cusack was brought to Roots Hall by a representative of the Professional Footballers Association who on the day drove from his Lincoln home to pick Dave up in Rotherham.

“He then took him to Southend for the event and then back home again afterwards so it was a fantastic effort.”

The squad were introduced to the Roots Hall crowd before the game and watched the match together in an executive box.

The former players also ate together at the Park Inn hotel after the final whistle and, according to Leeder, relished being back together to discuss old times.

“They all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet up, with some not having seen each other for over 40 years,” said Leeder.

“When they first entered the pitch before kick-off and before being announced over the PA system the crowd broke out into an impromptu standing ovation.

“It was a real lump in the throat moment.”

The players attended a question and answer session, hosted by ex-Blues striker David Crown, after the game in the Shrimpers Bar.

A signed ball was also raffled off and raised £235 for the Sick Children’s Trust, a charity which is supported by Cusack’s family.