Southend United winger Mark Gower today expressed his disappointment at the departure of Paul Gascoigne from Blues' League Two rivals Boston United.

The mercurial former England midfielder had been expected to visit Roots Hall with the Pilgrims tomorrow night, but will not figure after quitting York Street to begin a coaching course.

"For me personally I'm gutted," said Gower.

"Being at Tottenham as a kid I used to go and watch him play every week and, growing up, he was my hero really.

"He was fantastic, he liked scoring goals, defending, he could do everything and he showed that by the way he played in the 1990 World Cup."