Echo sports reporter Chris Phillips has won a prestigious journalism award – thanks to first-class coverage of his beloved Southend United.
He was nominated for the Best in Non-League – Editorial award in this year’s Football Content Awards held at Liverpool’s Anfield ground.
Chris joined the Echo in 2003, notching up an incredible two decades covering the Blues. But it’s been a labour of love in recent seasons as the club he’s loved since a child faced a winding up order for an unpaid £275,000 HMRC bill and other debts.
Ever humble, he said: “I was shocked to be nominated and even more shocked to win. It still feels quite surreal, but I’m really pleased.
“As a supporter and reporter, it’s been tough at times over the last few months and years.
“It’s been all encompassing really, especially when it really looked like Blues wouldn’t be able to start the season.
“It’s certainly not always easy covering Southend but it’s always enjoyable.
“I’m forever proud to cover my club for the paper I grew up reading as a kid. It really means a lot to me, and it always will which I why I put so much into it.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me and everyone who has supported me during the times I’ve needed it. I genuinely wouldn’t have won this without them.”
Chris has led the way reporting on matters on and off the pitch. He was first to break the news of the consortium leading the race to buy the Blues, has attended every High Court hearing and published daily articles to keep fans informed – netting exclusives along the way.
BBC Essex and talkSPORT presenters have regularly interviewed Chris as the leading authority on the Blues.
And just like Chris, Southend United is flying high after a deal was announced to buy the stricken club and the outstanding HMRC bill was settled.
Despite being docked 10 points due to failing to clear their debt, the club is sitting 14th in the National League and beat leaders Chesterfield 2-1 at the weekend.
Editor Michael Adkins said: “The love and passion Chris has for Southend United, its fans, players, backroom staff, and the manager is clear for all to see.
“His knowledge is unrivalled in football reporting circles and this year his content has driven large, loyal audiences online. He’s had as many stories published in the news pages and on the fronts as he’s had on the back and inside sport pages.
“He can turn his hand from covering the Blues next match to writing an informative and exclusive package about the latest takeover news at a moment’s notice.
“This award is acknowledgement of his exceptional work and the Blues extraordinary fight for survival.”
Shrimpers TV run by Blues fan Liam Clark won bronze for Best in Non-League Video at the event on Thursday.
The 19-year-old, from Great Wakering, said: "The idea came from me and my friends in April 2019.
"It sort of never came to anything then in July I was invited to the EFL Quest launch and I filmed a video to put on my Instagram Southend fan page.
"It was at that time and while I was there I decided I was actually going to start YouTube instead."
Dubbed 'The Oscars of the Football Content Industry', the annual awards celebrate the best in online football media.
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