KANE Ferdinand will be bidding for more happy memories of Roots Hall tonight.

The Maidenhead United midfielder came through the Shrimpers’ youth system and scored 10 goals in 71 games before joining Peterborough United for £200,000 in 2012.

But Ferdinand still looks back on his time at Blues with real fondness.

“I have nothing but good memories from my time there,” said Ferdinand.

“That’s not just the year and a half in the first team I had, it’s from joining aged 13.

“I had a lot of memorable moments there too, my debut and my first goal spring to mind straight away but the unbeaten run we were on in the first half of the 2011/2012 season was quite special.

“Being top of the league for most of that time you can imagine the mood in the camp.

“We went into games with the confidence and belief where we knew we’d get a result.

“That period stands out for me the most and it was a great time.

“I have no regrets and I really did learn an awful lot along the way as well.”

Ferdinand found first team opportunities hard to come by while with Peterborough but he still feels it was the correct choice to leave.

"I felt it was the right decision, the opportunity to play Championship football was hard to ignore and I enjoyed most of my time at Peterborough," said Ferdinand.

"It's hard to say if there’s ever an ideal stage to leave as there’s so many variables in the world of football but the opportunity was there and I wanted to take it."

While with Peterborough, Ferdinand spent time on loan with Northampton, Luton and Cheltenham before joining Dagenham & Redbridge on a short term deal.

The midfielder, like Blues, has now drifted into non-league and he spent close to five years with Woking before making the switch to Maidenhead in the summer.

And Ferdinand is confident Alan Devonshire’s side can work their way out of the relegation zone.

“We have an honest group here with a lot of talent and I’m positive we can move back up the table,” said Ferdinand.

“Things started out quite well on a personal level for me and on a collective note as well but we’ve found it difficult in the past couple months.”

As a result, Maidenhead have joined Blues in a fight to avoid relegation.

And Ferdinand believes that makes this evening’s match a key clash for both teams.

“It’s fairly important when you consider the run we’ve been on lately but it’s equally as important for Southend who I’m sure didn’t expect to find themselves down there at this stage,” said Ferdinand.

“For me it was a fixture I looked out for at the beginning of the season but I wouldn’t say there’s extra spice on the game or anything like that.

“It will be good to see some old faces but during the 90 minutes we’ll all be focused on winning and nothing else.”

Fellow ex Shrimpers Emile Acquah and Sam Barratt are also now with with Maidenhead.

And Ferdinand still keeps a keen eye on Blues’ results.

“I think most people look out for their previous club but especially the one you grew up at,” said Ferdinand.

“There’s been quite a few changes there but I’ve played with a few of the current squad and look forward to seeing them.”