HE may have already enjoyed a number of memorable moments during his career but Ian Riddoch is still excited to be Southend United’s new commercial director.

The 43-year-old Scotsman has previously worked for some of Britain’s biggest clubs, including Rugby League giants Wigan.

But he is now looking forward to his involvement with the Shrimpers and their proposed switch to a new stadium.

“The new ground was the catalyst for me coming to the football club,” said Riddoch.

“I know people have been hearing about the stadium for a while now, but I really believe the chairman is close to delivering it and I want to be a part of it.

“I’ve known Ron Martin and Geoffrey King for a few years now too and as soon as they rang me to offer me the job I jumped at the chance to come here.”

Riddoch has been with Blues for little more than a week but he already feels at home at both the club and in the local area.

“I’ve had a very warm welcome in Essex,” said Riddoch.

“The people seem very lively here, which I like, and I’m looking forward to working here.

“The last few years compared to the club’s whole history have been very successful and I think it’s an exciting time to be here.”

Riddoch has been accustomed to excitement during his own career which first started in Leeds during Euro 96.

“I helped develop the area for the tournament which was great and then went on to work for a sport PR company who did a lot of work with Team England,” recalled Riddoch.

“That’s where I cut my teeth in football and had a great time.”

With that mission successfully accomplished and completed, Riddoch then changed sports and worked for the Rugby Super League before joining Wigan’s successful rugby league side.

“While I was there we managed to double the crowds from 8,000 to 16,000,” said Riddoch.

“We also got the JJB’s first sell-out crowd and it was all very exciting.”

That expertise attracted the team he supported as a boy — Aberdeen Football Club — and he spent five years there before teaming up with MK Dons.

A “roller-coaster ride” with Edinburgh Rugby Club followed and then so did a two-year spell as CEO with Glasgow Warriors before he eventually returned to football by replacing Garry Adamson at Roots Hall this month.

“I’m pleased to be here and I’m always open to ideas from supporters,” added Riddoch.

“Southend is a forward thinking club with a very lean and hungry team behind the scenes who I am pleased to now be working with.”