STEVE Tilson is hoping for a successful sixth anniversary as manager of Southend United.

The 43-year-old today becomes just the sixth Blues boss to ever reach the landmark.

And he hopes to celebrate in style by beating MK Dons at Roots Hall tonight.

“On the whole it’s been a great six years and it would be great to mark it with a win this evening,” said Tilson.

“There have been more ups than downs during my times in charge and I have some great memories from being the manager.

“Hopefully I can still be in charge for at least another six years too and we can go on to achieve even more success.”

Tilson first took charge of the Shrimpers, originally as caretaker manager, exactly six years ago today.

Two days after his appointment, which followed the departure of Steve Wignall and then previous caretaker David Webb, Blues beat Rochdale 4-0 at Roots Hall.

And a run of more good results then led to Tilson being made manager on a permanent basis.

“I remember that Rochdale game well but at the time I didn’t expect to be manager for much longer,” said Tilson.

“I was in charge of the youth team and I don’t know if I was the first choice for the first team job at that point because it’s something I’ve never asked the chairman.

“Things went well though which put a bit of pressure on him and he gave me the job, which was great.”

Since then, Tilson has led the Shrimpers to two promotions and two LDV Vans Trophy finals at the Millennium Stadium.

He is therefore regarded by many to be Blues’ best ever manager but things have been tough for him this term.

The club’s current financial concerns have left him with limited options for most of the campaign but he has been boosted by the return of Johnny Herd for tonight’s game.

He looks set to start at left-back after recovering from a hamstring problem.

And Tilson is keen to secure his first ever victory over the Dons, who easily knocked Blues out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy earlier on this season.

“That was the game which has disappointed me the most so far this season,” said Tilson.

“There was a real lack of effort from us and it wasn’t acceptable.

“Hopefully we can make amends tonight and bounce back from the frustrating defeat at Yeovil.”

Blues will be missing Sean Morrison, who serves a one match suspension, meaning Anthony Grant is likely to continue in defence.

Southend United (from): Mildenhall, Grant, Francis, Barrett, Herd, Laurent, McCormack, Christophe, Moussa, Barnard, Freedman, Walker, Scannell, Joyce, O’Keefe and Asante.

l Blues youth team are in action tomorrow as they travel to Aldershot Town, kick off 11am.