FORMER Southend United boss Steve Tilson will never forget how Sir Alex Ferguson to his Manchester United side losing at Roots Hall.

On this day, back in 2006, a free-kick from Freddy Eastwood saw the Shrimpers secure a shock League Cup victory against the Premier League giants.

But Ferguson was incredibly gracious in defeat and invited Tilson to watch the Red Devils train.

“He called me and invited me up to Carrington to watch Man United train,” said Tilson.

“I went up there on my own and went into his office.

“They had a midweek European game they were getting ready for and I stayed with him in his office for about 30 minutes.

“We went down the steps and there was press everywhere, it was unbelievable.

“I watched the whole training session, then had lunch with him and the players before driving back.

“Bearing in mind we beat them for him to offer me to go up there was unbelievable and it’s a memory I’ll never ever forget.”

Blues’ fine win will also live long in the memory.

But Tilson still feels it was a well-deserved victory.

“Beating Man United was unbelievable and it was such a good night,” said Tilson.

“I’ve watched the video back a few times and we played really well.

“I know Flavs (Darryl Flahavan) made some really good saves but we played ever so well.

“It wasn’t a case of sitting back and getting pummelled.

“I thought we played some good stuff and deserved the victory.

“And one thing I can always say is that I’ve got a 100 per cent record against Sir Alex Ferguson!”

>Steve Tilson was talking on a 24 hour livestream raising money for SECE Mind.

Donations can still be made here