Now Tilly plays ‘sir’ (From Southend Standard)

Former Southend United manager becomes a teacher at Seevic College in Thundersley

3:00pm Thursday 30th August 2012 in Echo News By Lauren Hockney

FORMER Southend United manager Steve Tilson has a new role – helping the next generation of players to get ready for the big time.

The former Blues boss – now managing Canvey Football Club – is also working with promising young players on the Seevic’s Score football development programme.

Tilson is now regularly tutoring footballers at the college, in Runnymede Chase, Benfleet , along with head of competitive sport, Craig Davidson, and coach, Dave Thompson.

The 46-year-old manager said the college job was very different to his work at Canvey, but added it was one he was greatly enjoying.

He said: “I’ve gone from things being a bit quiet to turning some work away, but it’s no problem fitting it all in.

“I get a lot of enjoyment out of trying to improve the youngsters to their full potential, but I still want to manage to the highest level I can.”

Tilson famously took the Blues from League Two to the Championship in two consecutive seasons, but also has a record for developing young talent.

Before he left the club in 2010, he was also director of its Centre of Excellence training scheme. He also works with Basildon ’s ladies team.

The manager has already picked up on the potential and dedication of some of the Score students.

He said: “There’s a lot of talent in this area, but the problem we have is the really, really good boys are at professional clubs, so it is tough to pick up the top quality ones.

“However, there are some who are let go at 16 or 17 and don’t get a scholarship so there’s always a few who miss the net “I’m hoping we will get some of them and take them on to better things.

“If we can improve the players’ ability to the maximum they can achieve, we will have done our jobs.”

The arrival of the former Blues manager means the Score scheme can now accept as many as 60 students, with the hope it will continue to grow.

College principal Sarah Wright said: “We are delighted to have one of the highest-qualified and most respected football professionals in the region join our team.

“We have no doubt our students will benefit from his coaching and connections.”

Score is open to boys and girls, aged between 16 and 19 who want to pursue an academic sporting qualification while getting professional training.

Once accepted, players train every day and compete in matches nationally.

For more information, contact Seevic or e-mail david.thompson@seevic-college.ac.uk