Southend United's newly-crowned Player of the Year Mark Beard promised Blues fans a brighter future following Saturday's end of season 1-1 Roots Hall draw against Hartlepool Uni-ted.

A first-half strike from midfielder Kevin Maher was not enough to earn the Shrimpers maximum points as Paul Stephenson's late drive took a cruel bounce past Southend keeper Mel Capleton and earned ten-man Hartlepool, whose defender Gary Strodder was dismissed, a deserved point.

However, Beard pledged that the Seasiders would wipe away the disappointments of this season's struggling Third Division campaign with a push for promotion next term.

"We've had a nightmare this season, but all the lads are determined to put things right next time round," said the right-wing-back.

"When I signed for Southend from Sheffield United at the start of this season I thought I was joining a side who were going to be gunning for promotion.

"But we have underachieved badly and had a poor campaign, which mustn't be allowed to happen next year."

Beard, who was voted Sheffield United's worst ever player in a poll of the Football League's 92 clubs in Four Four Two magazine this month, thanked Southend's supporters for making him their Player of the Season.

"When you get an award like this it's a big compliment because it shows that the fans appreciate you," he said.

"I've played in most of our games this season and I'd like to think that I've maintained a consistent level of form and always given my all for this club.

"I wasn't very happy when I heard that Sheffield United's fans had picked me out as their worst ever player as I was never given much of a chance to prove myself up there.

"But picking up this award from the Southend supporters is a nice way to stick two fingers back up at all my Bramall Lane critics."

Beard also tipped new Southend boss Alan Little, who has steered Blues to league safety during his eight games in charge at Roots Hall, to push the Shrimpers back in the right direction next season.

"The gaffer has been a different class since he took over from Alvin Martin in April and I'm sure he's going to do good things at Roots Hall," Beard said.

"The boss has put a buzz back around the place and I can't wait to get back for pre-season training after my holiday and get Southend out of this division next year."

Picture, top: Blues' Player of the Year Mark Beard receives his award from David McAllister of Southend United sponsors Progressive Printing.

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