AFTER 275 games as a Southend United player and 358 as manager, Steve Tilson has been involved in more Shrimpers matches than anyone else in the club’s history.

Tilson enjoyed back-to-back promotions in both of his roles with Blues and has chosen his favourite 10 games, in no particular order, for Echosport.

1. Manchester United (H), November 7, 2006

“As a one off occasion, I think this would be the best game we had. It’s a night no-one will ever forget and to beat such a strong team - which included Ronaldo and Rooney - and was managed by Sir Alex Ferguson was brilliant.”

2. Bristol City (H), May 6, 2006

“This was the game which sealed the League One title for us. It was such a brilliant occasion and to get a late winner like we did, with Wayne Gray scoring, was great. It capped off the whole season for us and the celebrations which followed with all of the fans on the pitch was great.”

3. Chelsea (A), January 3, 2009

“I can remember Johnny Herd’s long throw into the box being flicked on and Peter Clarke heading home for the late equaliser like it was yesterday. We had about 6,000 fans there packing out the away end and that noise when we scored was unforgettable. Chelsea had a really strong side out with Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba all playing so to draw like we did was a great result. We just won’t mention the replay!”

4. Swansea City (A), April 30, 2006

“It was the day we secured promotion to the Championship. Swansea were a strong side and we did well to draw 2-2 there. The fans were great that day too and for us to get promoted was a huge achievement for everyone at the club.”

5. Lincoln City (N), May 28, 2005

“We’d been to the Millennium twice before but this was the most important one and we got the win to get promotion into League One. It capped a great season for us and it was the result which really got everything up and running for us. I'll never forget Duncan Jupp celebrating either. I think he's still running round Cardiff now!"

6. Millwall (H), March 20, 1993

“We drew 3-3 and we came back from 3-1 down. I scored twice, including a volley over my shoulder and the game was live on ITV.”

7. Newcastle (H), January 1, 1992

“We beat Newcastle 4-0 to go top of what is now the Championship. It’s the highest the club has ever been in the table and I remember thinking that day we could get promotion.”

8. Wolves (H), March 10, 1989

“I have to include this one because it was the first goal I scored for the team I support. We won 3-1 and is one of my favourite days in football.”

9. Luton (H), May 8, 1993

“We had been on a great run and beating Luton on the last day kept us in what is now the Championship. It was Stan Collymore’s last game for us and all the fans came onto the pitch to celebrate.”

10. Blackpool (N), March 21, 2004

“It was our first national cup final and to see 20,000 fans in Cardiff cheering us on was something else. I remember being gutted it wasn’t Wembley but it was still special, other than the result.”