LEWIS Hunt survived a unique and eventful start to his spell at Southend United to ensure what he still recalls as the most enjoyable spell of his career.

Hunt went on to win back to back promotions with Blues and also started the shock League Cup win against Manchester United.

But his initial loan spell from Derby County back in 2003 saw him have three different managers in his first four games.

“I was brought in on loan by Steve Wignall but then he got sacked after one game,” recalled Hunt.

“David Webb came in and then Steve Tilson so it was an eventful start!

“But Southend for me was probably my most enjoyable time playing football.

“I had four and a half years there and we had a lot of success.

“It was where I enjoyed my football the most.”

Hunt made 180 appearances while with the Shrimpers.

And, under the guidance of Tilson, Blues enjoyed an incredible transformation and won two successive promotions to surge into the Championship.

“Tilly steadied the ship and we climbed up the table to stay up in that first season,” said Hunt, who played in defence and midfield for the Shrimpers.

“From then on it just seemed to go up and up.

“He harnessed a really good team and we all played above ourselves.

“We went from strength to strength and had some really good players, a few of which went on to play in the Premier League so it showed the quality we had.”

Blues won promotion from League Two via the play-offs in 2005 before winning the League One, against all odds, just 12 months later.

And there are two matches which remain firmly in Hunt’s memory.

“Swansea away when we clinched promotion and the following week against Bristol City said everything about us,” said the 38-year-old.

“We got promotion when most people were backing us for relegation.

“But to go on and then win the League as well it really stands out for me.”

The Shrimpers spent just one season in the Championship but that season also included a memorable victory as Tilson’s team beat Manchester United in the League Cup.

However, Hunt lasted just 15 minutes against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

“It summed up my career really,” said Hunt.

“I was unlucky with injuries, all at the wrong time.

“I started against Manchester United but went off after about 15 minutes.

“It was another great evening for the team though.

“I missed most of it but it was still great to see my team-mates, manager and the fans all being so happy.”

Hunt went on to stay with Blues until the end of the 2007/08 season and was then snapped up by another ex Shrimper who he worked with at both Wycombe Wanderers and Bradford City, tonight’s visitors to Roots Hall.

“Peter Taylor took me to Wycombe and again we had some success there, winning promotion,” said Hunt.

“Unfortunately Peter lost his job fairly early on the following season.

“He went to Bradford and took me there too.

“But during my time there I had a couple of serious injuries which required operations.

“The injuries seemed to come at the wrong time but that’s part of football and it happens.

“You win some and you lose some.”

Hunt lined up in non-league for both Hendon and Sutton United before hanging up his boots.

And he is now enjoying a career away from football.

“I set up a fire protection company about eight or nine years ago now which has gone really well,” said Hunt.

“It’s gone from strength to strength every year and I’m enjoying it.”

But Hunt still keeps an eye on Blues and is pleased to see one of his former team-mates Alan McCormack back at the club.

“I played with Macca and he’s the kind of character you want there,” said Hunt.

“He will demand the best every minute of every training session and in every game too.

“He will raise the levels all around him and I really hope Southend can stay up.

“It’s a real shame to see where they are now.”