STEPHEN Smith is the latest Southend United fan to speak about his love for the Shrimpers.

Name: Stephen Smith

Age: 65

How long have you been a Blues fan?

"Nearly 59 years."

"My Granddad took me to my first game as my Dad played Borough Combination football for Hamlet Court and was never free on a Saturday afternoon.

"I was hooked from the first minute and went with my Granddad until he died many years later. Since then I have gone with other family members and have added my (adult) kids to the roll of Blues fans.

"My first date with my wife was an away game at Col U, which saw Colin Morris run from the halfway line to score a brilliant goal.

What was your first ever Blues game?

"4th November 1961, FA Cup 1st Round, Blues 0 Watford 2."

What's your favourite ever Blues goal?

"I’ve probably forgotten many in the early years but I went to see us play Bristol Rovers at Twerton Park, Bath on a bitter freezing New Year’s Day 1993 – Stan Collymore scored a cracker – a long range effort that would never have been stopped."

Favourite ever Blues player?

"Alan Moody. Never flustered, great reader of the game, great passer and only missed one penalty in a long spell as taker. I’d describe him as a lower league Bobby Moore."

Favourite ever manager?

"Dave Webb. A great talent spotter who built an organised and watchable team. I could never fathom his relationship with Vic Jobson and wish Webby had stayed longer."

Favourite ever game?

"A floodlit game at Roots Hall in the 70s against Newport County. I went with my Granddad. We were 2-0 down at half time and playing abysmally.

"The half time team talk saw ex-Brighton winger Gerry Fell absolutely rip them to shreds with the most aggressive display of wing play I have ever seen.

"We ran out 4-2 winners.

"When the fourth went in, I heard my Granddad swear for the first time ever as he uttered the phrase “Bloody hell”.

"His favourite pipe fell out of his mouth and he stepped on it and broke it due to the excitement."