Hundreds of enthusiastic Southend United fans flocked to the club's "Meet the Blues day" yesterday.

Supporters made their way to the Seasiders' training ground at Boots and Laces, Eastern Avenue, to watch Southend boss Alan Little put his men through a training session before the Third Division club launched their brand new millennium kit.

Southend chairman John Main praised the near thousand Blues fans who made the pilgrimage to the open day.

"It's great to see so many people here and underlines yet again what massive potential Southend United football club has," he said.

"When you see so many fans attend a function like this it makes what you are trying to achieve all the more worth while. Let's hope we're in for a good season to reward our supporters."

Blues fans were given the chance to meet their heroes for autographs and photos at pitch side and take part in many other activities.

There was a beat the goalie competition, five-a-side tournament, bouncy castle and plenty of other events on offer to keep Southend supporters, young and old, entertained.

Blues lost 1-0 at Millwall in a practice match friendly on Friday. The Lions' Rayleigh-based striker Neil Harris scored the decisive goal.

Magic mascot - Joe Bines, 12, and Max Bines, nine, from Southend, meet Sammy the Shrimp

(Right) Good cheer - Hockley lads Tom Sewell, 12, (left) and Paul Sinden, 12, get a kiss from the Pulse Cheerleaders who entertain Southend fans on matchdays

Pictures: LUAN MARSHALL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.