SCOTT Forbes still feels it was a dream come true to line up for Southend United.

The hard-working winger made 58 appearances during a two year spell with the Shrimpers.

And it was extra special for Forbes who grew up watching Blues.

“It was doubly nice for me really because I used to watch Southend as a kid,” said Forbes.

“I was brought up in Canewdon and supported Southend.

“I remember running on the pitch as kids, we would go and watch the fireworks after the games too and it was lovely.”

Forbes joined Blues in the year 2000, just when the winger was starting to feel he would not be given an opportunity in the professional ranks.

“I was playing non-league with Braintree,” said Forbes.

“The football had been tough and I had actually agreed to go to America to coach. I’d sorted out my Visa and everything was sorted.

"While waiting for that to come around I took my foot off the gas really and went to Saffron Walden. I also played for Canewdon at that time and at 23 I really thought my chance had gone. But I was scoring freely and got spotted by Ricky Duncan.”

And that led to Forbes being invited in for pre-season training by the Shrimpers.

“It went well for me,” said Forbes.

“It was a bit tricky for me with some players because obviously you’re coming in and could take someone’s place.

"But I’d had so many disappointments down the years that I was thick skinned and got over things quite quickly.”

However, playing Sunday League football initially came back to haunt Forbes.

“I remember one of the first games, I think it was against Cardiff when the manager told me I wasn’t playing which was fine,” said Forbes.

“But he then told me it was because I had picked up too many yellow cards playing for Canewdon FC. It was Sunday morning football and I couldn’t believe it!”

However, Forbes went on to establish himself on the left flank for the Shrimpers and will be best remembered for breaking the deadlock in a 2-1 victory against Canvey Island in the FA Cup.

“That was a special moment and one of the best goals I got,” said Forbes.

“It was a full house and I remember going to my local that night and everyone was cheering.

“But all of playing for Southend was special for me.”

However, Forbes’ second season was blighted by injuries and he departed at the end of the 2001/2002 campaign by which time Rob Newman was in charge.

“I found it hard to communicate with Rob Newman,” said Forbes.

“I didn’t know Rob that well but I knew the other Southend managers and it’s always better that way With Alan Little and David Webb there was a shared respect and I tend to play my best football for managers I respect and who respect me.”

And those managers also made it entertaining for Forbes.

“They were both characters,” laughed Forbes.

“I remember if you got to training early Alan would be practising his casting for fishing but Webby was old school.

“I remember he would turn up to training selling stuff out the back of his car just around pay day. I always felt obliged to buy a few things so he might pick me!”

But Forbes was not just known for his football while with Blues.

“I’ve always played the guitar and the lads used to encourage me to play it on the bus,” said Forbes.

“I did a few times but Webby wasn’t always keen. I also played at some of the sponsor events we had. I remember I wrote a song about the lads and it wasn’t overly PC back then. But just before I went on the manager said if you mention any staff you’re sacked!”

After leaving Blues, Forbes spent two seasons with Canvey Island but was again struck by a succession of injuries which led to him retiring at just 29.

However, Forbes is still involved with football.

“I’m a football coach and I’m still with Dunmow United who I set up 17 years ago,” said Forbes, who played for Rayleigh Boys in his youth.

“I’m playing in the men’s team alongside some of the children I coached when they were in reception now.”

And Forbes still continues to back Blues.

“It’s been a tricky time on and off the pitch but the fans are very loyal and I hope in the next few years they can have something to really cheer,” he added.