SOUTHEND United defender Jason Demetriou wants another FA Cup win this weekend - only this time not as manager!

Demetriou was the caretaker boss when Blues last won in the competition, against Chertsey Town back in 2021.

The 4-1 victory came just a week after Phil Brown had been dismissed as manager following a dismal 4-0 defeat to Chesterfield at Roots Hall.

And Demetriou feels the improvements made since then should not be overlooked.

“That for me is the most impressive thing that the manager and his staff have done,” said Demetriou.

“I remember driving home after that Chesterfield game and just thinking we are so low here, I don’t know where this club is going.

“I was so worried and thought we were close to going under.

“The club stunk inside and out but from there to where we are now is honestly chalk and cheese.

“You feel the confidence now and everyone in the group wants to play for the club.

“They’ve done such a good job because we really were in a bad place.”

And things were so low Demetriou even feared defeat in what proved to be his only game in charge, two years ago this very week.

“I remember taking the Chertsey game and thinking we could easily lose this,” said Demetriou.

“They were two or three leagues below us but that’s how low we all were.

“Now we all think if we drew a team in a higher league we could turn them over so it’s come a long way.

“But it was honestly scary how low we were.”

The Shrimpers have made big strides forward on the pitch since that day despite the club’s struggles off it.

And Demetriou is relishing playing an unexpected role in the past few weeks, starting seven matches in quick succession.

“I didn’t expect to play so much,” said Demetriou.

“I was coming in to help out when needed but it’s been good and I’ve enjoyed it.

“Playing in this team is enjoyable and everyone is at it.

“There have been some good performances and the boys are flying so we’re looking forward to Saturday.”

Yeovil will also go into fourth qualifying round tie feeling confident due to their own good start to the season.

The Glovers currently top National League South but Demetriou is excited for the game at Huish Park.

“It would’ve been nice to get a team a bit closer to home but we know what we need to do going there,” said the defender.

“We’ve got momentum now and we’ll be ready with this team and staff we’ve got.”