Former Cambridge United boss John Beck admitted today he wanted the Southend United manager's job.
Beck, 46, has twice been in charge at the Abbey stadium, the last time in 2001, and has had stints with both Preston North End and Lincoln City.
But he will always be remembered best for his first spell at Cambridge where he perfected the long-ball game to lift the U's up the league ladder alongside the Shrimpers.
Cambridge accompanied Blues out of the old Fourth and Third Divisions during the early 90s, before missing out on a place in the Premiership following a play-off semi-final defeat against Leicester City.
Beck also guided Cambridge to the FA Cup quarter-final twice during this period, glories he believes he could bring to Roots Hall.
"They were great days when Cambridge and Southend rose up the divisions together and it would be great to do it all again," said Beck.
"I'm working at the grass roots level of the game at the moment, helping coaches as a qualified FA educator.
"It is a rewarding job, but I want to get back into league management and a club of Southend's potential would be a great challenge."
Beck also moved to calm fears that he would want to turn Blues into a bunch of long ball merchants.
"To get out of the Third Division you need to be able to mix the short and long ball game," Beck explained.
"But just as importantly you need togetherness, discipline and organisation right through a football club.
"If Southend want to get out of the Third Division they need an experienced manager who knows what the league is all about."
Published Tuesday, April 8, 2003
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