FORMER Southend United favourite Freddy Eastwood could have followed in the foot-steps of David Beckham at the start of his career.

Manchester United and England legend Beckham was first discovered as a youngster when attending the Bobby Charlton Soccer School.

And Eastwood, who went on to enjoy a prolific first spell with the Shrimpers, also caught the eye of the coaches during his own visit to Manchester.

“I was also on the Bobby Charlton Soccer School and I did well so I got asked to go back for a second visit,” recalled Eastwood.

“I was quite young at the time, probably only about 11 or 12, but I scored some goals in the games and there were scouts there watching too.

“Man United sent a few players down so I got to have my picture taken with Ryan Giggs, Lee Sharpe and Gary Pallister which was great.

“I did well and I got asked back for a third time but it was hard because I was living down south so we didn’t go.

“It was a shame because Man United is my team but it was still a great experience.”