Southend United boss Alan Little dismissed talk of revenge as he prepared for tonight's Third Division clash at his former club York City.

The Shrimpers chief was sacked by the Minstermen last March following a string of poor results and this evening's encounter will be his first return to Bootham Crescent as an opposition manager.

However, Little, who has a strong contingent of ex-York players in his team at Roots Hall, said he was treating this game just like any other.

"Personal matters don't come into this game, it is just another football match and I'm certainly not returning to my old stomping ground hell bent on gaining revenge," said Little.

"I've got nothing to prove to anyone at Bootham Crescent. I had six good years there as manager and I did well for them but now I'm Southend's boss and all I want is three precious points.

"Tonight's game is the start of a very busy Christmas programme with matches coming round thick and fast, which is very important to this club as a good festive season will push us back up the league table."

Six of Southend's first-team squad - strikers Neil Campbell, Martin Car-ruthers and Neil Tolson, winger Gordon Connelly, goalkeeper Mark Prudhoe and midfielder Mark Tinkler - have all served Little at Bootham Crescent.

And Blues' former Minstermen are desperate to beat their old side at the first attempt, especially Connelly, who followed Little south during the summer.

"There's nothing like playing against one of your old teams and we'll all want to prove a point this evening," said the flying Scotsman.

"York's new manager Neil Thompson didn't fancy me, Tolson or Tinkler as players and we have a big point to prove to him in this game."

The 22-year-old also admitted the Seasiders' players wanted to settle a few old scores on the pitch for their boss Little.

"The gaffer was treated badly when he got his marching orders at Bootham Crescent and we want to beat York for him," added Connelly.

Little is taking an 19-man squad north as 14th placed Southend attempt to end a spell of five league games without a win.

Southend (from): Capleton, Booty, Jones, Coleman, Roget, Connelly, Tinkler, Morley, Tolson, Carruthers, Houghton, Beard, Roach, Newman, Clarke, Maher, Campbell, Prudhoe, Cross.

Point to prove - Gordon Connelly (left) will be looking to settle a few scores at York tonight

York look for end to goal famine

York City will attempt to end their goal famine against Southend United tonight when the Shrimpers visit Bootham Crescent for a Third Division clash.

The Minstermen have fail-ed to hit the target for 350 minutes but will be hoping to take advantage of Blues' generous defence, who have conceded six goals in their last two league outings.

York, four points behind Southend in the league in 18th place, are desperate for a result after picking up one win in their last six games.

With Blues on a similar run, having won just one of their previous seven league and cup matches, newly-relegated York will be confident of turning the tide and clawing their way back towards the promotion play-offs.

But unrest on the terraces could affect the team, with York fans planning a red card demonstration against their chairman Douglas Craig and manager Neil Thompson this evening.

The York boss, who re-placed Alan Little last term, is finding it tough in his first managerial role, which has not been helped by an exodus of players to Roots Hall.

Thompson has built a new side with his most expensive acquisition being ex-South-end striker Barry Conlon, who cost York £100,000.

Hull City hitman Colin Alcide has recently arrived at for another £80,000 and joins a host of other summer arrivals, including midfielder Kevin Hulme from Halifax Town and pacey £20,000 front-runner John Williams from Cardiff City.

York's preparationshave been hampered by illness and injury with Conlon (ankle), Anthony Ormerod (virus) and Wayne Hall (Achilles) all doubtful. Hulme is out after a hernia op.

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