MARK Gower remains one of the best Southend United players in recent history.

But his move to the Shrimpers was instigated by a chance meeting while out walking his dog.

Gower made 243 appearances during a successful five year spell at Roots Hall.

However, he may not have joined Blues from Barnet had it not been for an unexpected conversation with physiotherapist John Stannard.

“The move really came about because of a chance meeting with John Stannard while I was out walking the dog,” said Gower.

“John had been at Barnet but was with Southend at this point and he was out on a bike ride.

“I was just walking through the park and we stopped for a chat.

“I said I don’t really know what’s happened to my career.

“I was at Spurs and one day I went in and there wasn’t a kit me.

“I was then told I had been sold to Barnet and got relegated.

“I was in freefall and I said to him about how I’d love an opportunity to get back into League football.

“I’d gone in at Barnet one of the top earners and stayed for a while but they were conscious of getting the wages down after relegation.

“But the move to Southend all happened from bumping into John.”

Gower joined Blues in the summer of 2003 and enjoyed a fine season at the club, despite not being in the best of shape when he joined.

“I had three months off before coming to Southend so as you can imagine I was the size of Jimmy Corbett when I got there,” said Gower.

“It took me a few runs to get fit but I ended up having a good first season, I got player of the year and it all worked out well.”

However, things did not work out quite so well for Steve Wignall, who brought Gower to Blues.

Wignall was dismissed just three months into the season and was replaced by Steve Tilson who got the Shrimpers back on track.

“Steve Wignall was a worrier and Stuart Robson was as he was and there was stress and people pulling in different directions,” said Gower.

“When Tilly came in he made everyone relax and we all started playing.

“I don’t mean this in a horrible way but Tilly wasn’t a fantastic motivator or tactician but he just had a calming influence and created an environment where we could all go and express ourselves.”

The Shrimpers went on to win promotion via the League Two play-offs before being crowned League One champions the following season.

But Gower remains shocked by how just how successful Blues were.

“I have no idea how we did what we did,” said Gower.

“We had about 15 or 16 players really, it was unbelievable.

“We had a bit of luck getting no injuries but we had some really good players who were playing the level below they were capable of really.”

Despite their best efforts, Blues lasted just one season in the Championship.

And Gower was disappointed with the club’s offer of a new contract at the end of that campaign.

“I got 10 goals in the Championship and Ron offered me £50 a week more,” said Gower.”

“I thought I deserved a better contract but I spoke to my wife and my agent who said to run my contract down and see what’s available then.

“I was getting to the age where nobody wanted to pay any money for me.

“I was 28 or 29 so I was only really attractive as a free transfer.”

Gower’s contract expired at the end of the following season.

And the winger headed to Wales after being impressed by Swansea boss Roberto Martinez.

“I went to Swansea and Roberto Martinez was manager,” said Gower.

“He put on a really detailed presentation and knew everything about me. “ “It was a no brainer to go there really and I didn’t even end up going to speak to the other clubs who were interested in me.

“I just signed for Swansea there and then.”

Gower went on to spend five years with the Swans and helped them to win promotion into the Premier League during an enjoyable spell.

“I left my scoring boots in Southend but other than that my level of performance was good and it was great there,” said Gower.

“The last year was poor under Michael Laudrup and I petered out a bit with one eye on retirement but other than that I played at least 30 games a year.

“I signed new deals while I was there and had five good years there with my family during which we got back to the Premier League which was great.”

Gower now works as a scout with Liverpool while his son Jimi is also looking to carve out a career for himself.

“Jimi’s at Arsenal and he’s just overcome quite a bad injury,” said Gower.

“He ripped a tendon in the growth plate in his pelvis.

“He had to have three months of rest but it will be a big year for him next year because he will either get offered a scholarship or be released.”

TOMORROW: MORE ON MARK GOWER'S ROLE AT LIVERPOOL