SOUTHEND United legend Billy Best was taken aback at the reception he received on his return to Roots Hall.

The popular former Shrimpers striker was welcomed back onto the pitch ahead of Saturday’s National League clash with Gateshead.

And Best could not believe the ovation coming his way.

“It was amazing and I couldn’t have dreamt of a welcome like that, it was just brilliant,” said Best.

“The welcome came as a lovely surprise and it was just unbelievable.

“I was amazed and I could quite easily have gone round and shook every one of their hands.

“It really took me back and I never expected that.

“I don’t know if I deserved it but I was so happy that people must have enjoyed me so I would really like to say thank you to all of the supporters.”

Best bagged 123 goals in 247 games for Blues between 1968 and 1973.

And the 82-year-old recalls his successful spell at the Shrimpers with great fondness.

“Southend was a very happy period for me,” said Best, who had not been back at the club for six years.

“I had five happy seasons there.

“I had been with Northampton for five seasons before that but I’d never really played regularly in the first team.

“I had a slow start at Southend but then it took off and I was delighted with how it went.”

Best returned to Northampton, where he still lives, following his departure from Roots Hall.

But he continues to keep an eye on his former team’s results.

“I watch the television and they sometimes show a bit of non-league football so I always keep my eye on how Southend are doing,” said Best.

“I read the Sunday papers too so I look out for the results.

“I really wish them all the very best and thank the supporters and club for making Saturday such a lovely day for me and my family. “ Best’s return was put together by the Southend United Ex-Players Association who worked alongside the club to help make it happen And SUEPA organiser Andy Leeder was pleased to welcome another popular ex player back onto the Roots Hall pitch.

“I was thrilled with how the afternoon went for Billy and his family,” said Leeder.

“The reception he got from the whole crowd was wonderful and it makes all the effort we do to put on events like this so worthwhile.

“This coming Saturday we have another special former player Ian Benjamin as our guest and I am sure he will also get a great reception.”