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Midfielder: Steve Tilson
- Born: 27th July 1966, Wickford.
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 12 stone
- Previous clubs: Witham Town, Southend United (1989-1997), Canvey Island FC
He has been training with the club, however he now has a four year contract with, and is captain of, Ryman Premier DivisionCanvey and is definitely staying there. Fans have described him as a good solid player and someone who could hold and run with the ball and was even known to score the odd goal or two
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Tilson has been made director of the new Centre of Excellence which was made possible by an English Sports Council grant of over £250 000.
This is a great opportunity for me and it's great to be back at Southend— I just can't wait to get started...
Southend's youth policy has suffered in recent years, but thanks to the Sports Council grant this part of the club is being put right. The chairman, John Main, and Peter Trevivian know that a strong youth set-up is crucial to Southend's future and I'm looking forward to playing my part in strengthening this area.
There's so many talented youngsters right on our door step and it's down to us to find them and bring them through to Southend's first team.
Tilson will be responsible for overseeing and developing the raw skills of all the centre of excellence's teams, aged from under-9 to 16, a task he has great enthusiasm for.
I love working with kids and coaching and I'm hoping that I will be able to help them become better players... When I joined Southend I came through the backdoor via non-league football and I want to try and help as many of these lads to make the grade as well, but by the more conventional route of an apprenticeship.
Tilson has stressed that his new Roots Hall rôle will not interfere with his duties on the playing field for Canvey for whom he scored 34 goals last season.