FORMER Southend United boss Steve Tilson has been named assistant manager at Heybridge Swifts, writes CHRIS PHILLIPS.

Tilson had been out of men’s football since leaving Canvey Island back in 2013.

But he is looking forward to being reunited with his former Gulls team-mate Julian Dicks who is now in charge of Swifts.

“I’ve had a really good relationship with Julian ever since we played together at Canvey,” said Tilson.

“He was a fantastic player and someone I’ve always had a lot of respect for.

“He called me up and if I’m honest I was a bit sceptical about going in at that level to begin with.

“But I’ve wanted to get back into competitive football and I do think this is a good opportunity.”

Tilson led the Shrimpers to successive promotions and victory over Manchester United during his seven-year spell in charge at Roots Hall.

However, he had not been seeking a return to the dug-out prior to Dicks getting in touch.

“I hadn’t really been looking if I’m honest,” said Dicks.

“It was only because Julian phoned me and I hadn’t looked at all.

“There have been a lot of non-league clubs that have had jobs going and I haven’t had the urge at all to apply for any of them.

“But Julian phoned me and I thought it would be good.

“I’m looking forward to it and I’d like to think we’ve got a chance of being up and around it next season as well.”

Heybridge will be lining up in Isthmian North next term.

And Tilson has already been impressed by his new club and the players already in the squad.

“We’ve had a couple of training sessions so far and the players really look like they’re already raring to go,” said Tilson.

“They’re kicking each other which is a good sign because it shows that passion and the bit between their teeth.

“It’s a really well run club and I’m really looking forward to being here and giving it a real go.”

Tilson will combine the role with heading up the football academy at South Essex College.

And he is hoping to help bring success to the Scraley Road Stadium.

“If you speak to any chairman at any level they will be looking at play-offs or promotion,” said Tilson.

“I don’t think Heybridge are any different but this level is new to me if I’m honest.

“I’ve only seen the players a couple of times but I know Julian wouldn’t be getting involved if he wasn’t looking to get promotion and do well.

“I’m sure we will be looking to be in and around at the end of the season and we’ll be doing everything we can to make it a good season.”

Tilson was brought in by Dicks to replace former Colchester United midfielder Karl Duguid who left his backroom team at the end of June to ‘explore other football avenues’.