Former Colchester United boss Steve Wignall revealed today that he would relish the chance to revive Southend United's flagging fortunes.

Alvin Martin's resignation from the Roots Hall hot-seat after Friday night's 1-0 home defeat to Hull City has left Blues searching for a successor and the experienced coach fits the bill as his replacement.

The 44-year-old scouser, who still lives in north Essex, is on the lookout for a new job following his shock decision to quit Second Division strugglers Colchester back in January.

Wignall turned his back on Blues' closest rivals because he felt he had taken the Layer Road outfit as far as he could on limited resources, but now he is ready for a new challenge.

"I'm an ambitious person so I've got to be interested in the Southend job," Wignall admitted today.

"I've been to a couple of Southend's games recently and the potential for success at Roots Hall is massive.

"I watched them beat Swansea City 2-0 a few weeks ago and I must admit that I was very impressed by Southend's stadium and fans.

"Roots Hall must be one of the best grounds in the lower divisions and they have received strong support this year during a difficult season.

"If they can attract crowds of 4,000 plus when they are struggling at the foot of the Third Division table it just highlights what can be achieved if they are doing well.

"It's hard to believe that Southend were playing in the First Division only two seasons ago, but from what I've seen they can definitely get back there.

"Of course I'm interested in their managerial vacancy."

Wignall was handed the managerial reigns at Layer Road in January 1995 and worked wonders on a tight budget - his most expensive buy being the club record £50,000 acquisition of striker Neil Gregory from Ipswich Town last season.

In 1996 he led Colchester to a Third Division play-off semi-final defeat against Plymouth Argyle, but made it to Wembley the following season in the Auto Windscreens Shield.

However, there was more heartbreak for Wignall as his men missed out on the hallowed turf as Carlisle United pulled off a penalty shoot-out triumph.

It all came right in front of the twin towers in the end though as Wignall won Colchester promotion last year thanks to a play-off final victory over Torquay United.

Wignall, who played more than 600 games at centre-half for Doncaster, Colchester, Brentford and Aldershot, cut his managerial teeth in non-league football.

He sparked a revival at former Football League outfit Aldershot leading them to two successive promotions in the equivalent of today's Ryman League.

On the subject of appointing a new manager Blues chairman John Main said today: "We have to make sure we make the right choice and get an experienced man.

"I feel very positive about the future of this football club and I want someone to work alongside me for the next four or five years who shares my ambitions."

Blues have made a third transfer deadline day signing bringing midfielder Mark Patterson to the club until the end of the season from First Division Bury.

The 33-year-old will make his second Shrimpers debut at Rochdale tomorrow night.

Happy to fill the role - Former Colchester United boss Steve Wignall could bring his managerial talents to Roots Hall after the resignation of Alvin Martin

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