SOUTHEND United may be fighting to stay in the National League these days – but things have not always been quite this bad.

In fact, 30 years ago to this very day came, statistically speaking, the highest point in the Shrimpers’ history as a memorable 4-0 win against Newcastle United put David Webb’s side top of what is now the Championship for a few hours.

Former Blues striker Brett Angell bagged a brace at a packed Roots Hall that afternoon.

And it is a match Angell still recalls with great fondness.

“I remember the game was an early kick off and we had a great atmosphere with a good crowd packed in to Roots Hall,” said Angell.

“We were going well and the opposition were finding it a little tougher but it showed their fanatical support with thousands coming down from the North East to cheer on their team and welcoming in the New Year.

Echo:

On target - Brett Angell scores his second goal of the game

“I have always wondered how Southend v Newcastle found its way to be played on New Year’s Day but this all added to the special occasion the match evoked for both the team and all our fans there on that day.”

Keith Jones and Andy Ansah joined Blues on the score-sheet against a Newcastle side managed by Ossie Ardiles.

And Angell admitted the Shrimpers surprised even themselves by how well they adapted to playing in the second tier for the first time in the club’s history.

“It was great to win again and be able to continue our continued progression up the league,” said Angell.

“I don’t think anyone at the club at the start of the season would have thought we would be anywhere near the top of the league especially with so many so called bigger clubs involved.

“But at the time and when looking back it was a great feeling and one I am sure gave all supporters a feeling of great satisfaction and pride.”

Echo:

Heading home - Andy Ansah nets for Blues against Newcastle

The convincing win against Newcastle, which was played in front of a crowd of almost 9,500, made it just one defeat in eight games for Blues.

However, the Shrimpers were unable to maintain their push for promotion during the second half of the season, something Angell puts down to a number of different factors.

“Our squad was never the biggest and when injuries and loss of form came into the mix we struggled to achieve the same results we had been getting in the first half of the season,” said Angell.

“I also think opposition teams started to recognise we were a decent team and they were very much more aware of our strengths.

“They were able to deal with them better in the second half of the season and without being able to bring in additional players to bolster the squad or change up the playing style we became less effective.”

And Blues were also not helped by a breakdown in the relationship between manager David Webb and chairman Vic Jobson which resulted in Webb announcing he would be leaving at the end of the season.

Echo:

Get in - Southend United celebrate Andy Ansah's goal

“Obviously the situation within the club with the manager and the chairman and what seemed the breakdown of their working relationship also did not aid our end of season form,” said Angell.

“But this was perhaps a sign of the frustration that David Webb was experiencing knowing what could’ve happened with a few additions to our squad.

“Not being able to achieve this was always going to hinder our progress along with potentially losing some of the squad’s players who were now being identified by others due to the season we were having prior to deadline day.”

Blues still went on to finish 12th that season, the highest finishing position in the club’s history.

But nowadays the Shrimpers are struggling towards the foot of the National League table having previously suffered back to back relegations.

Echo:

Watching on - Brett Angell (right) looks to support strike partner Ian Benjamin

And Angell – who scored 63 goals in 136 appearances for Blues – has been saddened by Southend’s rapid decline.

“I keep an eye out for all my previous teams and it does sadden me to see Southend no longer playing in the Football League, especially when my memories of playing for the club have been around talking about going top of the Championship and beating Newcastle United.

“Like most things football and your status should never be taken for granted but I am sure that with all the good people working behind the scenes both on and off the pitch the club will eventually work their way back to those heady heights once again.”

After leaving Blues in 1993, Angell went on to play in the Premier League for Everton and Sunderland.

And the 53-year-old is still involved in football. “I’m involved with coach education for New Zealand Football on their A and B Licence courses,” said Angell.

“I am technical director for Napier Marist Football Club in Hawkes Bay as well as also getting involved in Real Estate as a sales consultant in Napier.

“If anybody is looking for property just let me know!”

Highlights from Southend's memorable win against Newcastle can be watched here