AN ECSTATIC Olly Murs shouted from the stands with delight following Coggeshall Town’s success at Roots Hall this week.

But it was not the first time the popstar had enjoyed an evening in Southend.

Murs, who co-owns the Isthmian North club, quickly headed into the dressing room to celebrate Coggeshall’s 3-0 win against the Shrimpers in the third round of the Essex Senior Cup on Wednesday night.

However, Murs is no stranger to memorable moments in Southend.

“I’ve done many gigs in Southend,” Murs told the Echo.

“My first tour was at the Cliffs Pavilion in 2011 and I ended it there.

“But I’ve been here with my old Fiat Cinquecento too and I used to do the Southend lap with all the boy racers.

“I’ve had the nights out in Southend High Street and I did a couple of gigs at Mayhem.

“I would come clubbing here, I’d watch acts here and most weekends I was in Southend really.

“I only lived in Witham so Southend was always quite close and I loved the place and the people in it too.”

“I love Essex so anywhere in Essex I love really but Southend has always been a lovely place.”

Since first bursting onto the scene in the 2009 series of the X Factor, Murs has become one of the country’s most successful popstars.

But he combines his love of music with a real passion for football and that led to his involvement with Coggeshall, a role he thoroughly enjoys.

“As much as I love my music this is the other side of things I enjoy as well,” said Murs.

“I just love non-league football and I love being part of it.

“Coming to Southend was great for us as a club and playing at an amazing stadium.

“Some of the boys in there would not have played in a stadium like this so it was a real honour to be here and luckily enough we got through to the next round too.”

But such joy has been in short supply for Southend United who are struggling in the National League this season after suffering back to back relegations.

And Murs is sad to see Blues doing so badly.

“It’s a massive club and I just hope it can get fixed up,” said Murs.

“This club should be at the very least League Two with everything they’ve got.

“It’s great that Stan Collymore is involved and I know he used to play here.

“Hopefully the staff and him here now can make a difference because it’s a massive club if you get it right.”

Murs’ own aims will continue to surround Coggeshall this season.

But it has been an inconsistent campaign to date for the team.

“It’s been a really difficult season for us so far,” said Murs.

“We’re mid-table, we’ve had a change in management and it’s been a bit up and down.

“But a lot has gone on behind the scenes and it’s been difficult.

“My co-owner has been going through different things and it’s nice to have a moment like this tonight.

“Whether or not the Southend players were from the academy they’re still good, professional players so it was a good standard.

“But I love being around it and being in the dressing room.

“I went in the dressing room after the game and the boys were buzzing which is what it’s all about.”

Murs will now be hoping that can be the sign of things to come and will continue to enjoy whatever happens next.

“I’ve got my own career and my own work and this a hobby for me but it’s a massive part of my life,” said Murs.

“It would be nice to go up but we’re happy where we are too and I honestly love being part of non-league football.”