FORMER Southend United boss Steve Tilson is relishing his return to management with Heybridge Swifts.

Tilson, who spent seven years in charge of the Shrimpers, had initially been an assistant to Julian Dicks at the Isthmian North outfit.

But, after Dicks opted to move on, Tilson was handed a chance to step into the hot-seat and he is enjoying being in charge at Scraley Road.

"I'm enjoying being back in it," said Tilson.

"All of a sudden that pressure comes again but it's a good club and a really good bunch of lads.

"I was disappointed when Julian went because I get on really well with him.

"It put me in a position where I wasn't sure what I wanted to do.

The club asked me to take training and then take the game against Aveley.

"I did that and during the week they offered me the job.

"I had to make a decision and decided to go for it."

Tilson's spell with the Shrimpers ended in 2010 and spells in charge of Lincoln City and Canvey Island followed before taking over at C & K Basildon Ladies.

But his role with Heybridge is his first management role in the men's game for eight years and his permanent spell in charge started in fine style with a 3-2 win against Maldon & Tiptree.

"Being a local derby there were nearly 500 fans there and it was great for the club." said Tilson, 55.

"It was a really good atmosphere and a great time to score in the last couple of minutes.

"It's a good start but there's a long way to go and we've got a long way to go to catch up with where the club want to be."

And, as Tilson bids to turn things around, he will be assisted by former Shrimpers midfielder Alan McCormack.

"Macca has come in which is great," said Tilson.

"I'm the old vet and he brings in a bit of a youth.

"He obviously wants to get into the coaching side of it and this benefits both of us. You never know, if we can get his calf sorted out we might even get him on the pitch.

"But this is a really good club and I'm looking forward to the challenge. It's a long old season and who knows what can happen."