SOUTHEND United’s academy has produced many top players down the years, but it could now have also produced a top manager.

Mark Bonner has transformed Cambridge United - who head to Roots Hall on Tuesday night - from a side fighting relegation to one pushing for promotion since taking charge in January 2020.

But Bonner spent six years coaching the Shrimpers young players before heading back to the U’s.

And Blues’ academy manager Ricky Duncan is pleased to see Bonner succeeding.

“I brought Mark in here when he was 19,” said Duncan.

“I was at Cambridge with him before that and when I came back to Southend I wanted to bring him over.

“He came in to run our shadow squad section and eventually he went on to be assistant to Luke Hobbs in helping to run the academy.

“He progressed into that and he was a good worker.

“He knew what he was doing and was always well organised. He became a big part of the academy and we were a tight knit group.”

However, Bonner eventually opted to return to Cambridge to progress his coaching career.

“Mark developed with us and went on to run our foundation phase as well before he went back to Cambridge,” said Duncan.

“He wanted to step up and he went there to coach the under 18s before making the step up from there.”

But Duncan never saw Bonner taking on the top job.

“I never saw him becoming a manager if I’m honest,” said Duncan.

“I always thought he would become a very successful category one academy manager and I thought Luke would be a manager.

“But they’ve both gone down different paths and Luke is now high up at Arsenal’s academy so what do I know.”

“Mark definitely understands the game though and he has a really nice way about him too.”

Those traits have now helped Bonner transform Cambridge.

And Duncan is proud to see another ex Blues coach doing so well.

“It’s something else we’ve always been known for,” said Duncan.

“Even this year we’ve had Scott Allison go to Norwich and Matt Pooley went there last year too.

“They had been with us three or four years but clubs notice their ability and they move on.

“It’s great to see Mark and all our ex staff going on to achieve.”

But Bonner has had to work tirelessly to get his chance.

“Mark has worked hard to become manager there and he’s certainly done the groundwork,” said Duncan.

“He got the opportunity and he’s really grabbed it which is fantastic.

“It’s been brilliant for him to have the chance and he was really good for us.

“The time was right for him to move on and I hope he continues to do really well, just not on Tuesday night of course!”