MICHAEL Turner will be interested to see the impact Sol Campbell has had on Southend United when two of his former teams go head-to-head tomorrow.

Turner lined up for the Shrimpers and Sunderland during his playing career.

And the former centre-back will be keeping an eye on this weekend’s clash at the Stadium of Light.

“Of course I’ll be looking out for the score tomorrow and it will be interesting to see what Sol Campbell has been working on with the players,” said Turner.

“He’s had a week to work with the group now so he will have got a few more things across but obviously this is a very tough game for the team as Sunderland is a very tough place to go as an opposition player.”

Turner spent two seasons with the Shrimpers before leaving at the end of last season.

And he is disappointed Blues have not kicked on since surviving on the final day of the previous campaign when a last-gasp victory against Sunderland kept the club in League One.

“That was a special day for us in the end and it was fantastic to get the win but it’s a real shame things haven’t kicked on from there,” said Turner, 35.

“I was really hoping the team would push on and be pushing for a place in the top six but that hasn’t happened.

“Another new manager has come in and I hope he can sort things out because Southend is a good club and I enjoyed my time there.”

Turner made 65 appearances for the Shrimpers during an eventful time for the club.

“I was really pleased to sign for Southend and I could travel in from home which was great but things could have gone better on the pitch really,” said Turner.

“When Chris Powell came in it lifted us and going into the second season we all thought we’d be up there.

“We started the season well but then we had the worst luck with injuries which really hurt us.

“Kevin Bond came in after that but it’s hard when new managers come in because they all have their own ideas.”

Blues are now getting used to having another new manager, following Campbell’s appointment last week.

But Turner - who made 78 appearances for Sunderland - is now enjoying a break from the game after opting to hang up his boots.

“At the end of last season I was on the lookout for a new club and wanted to carry on playing but nothing ever materialised so I’ve retired now,” said Turner.

“In a way, it’s nice the game we had on the final day of last season was my last especially as it was against Sunderland where I thoroughly enjoyed playing as well.

“Playing there in the Premier League in front of 40,000 fans was incredible and they’re a massive club with a huge fanbase.

“But right now I’m enjoying having a break and taking it easy but I would like to get back into the game at some stage.”