Tributes have been paid to former Southend United manager Alan Little, who passed away yesterday at the age of 69.
Little managed the Shrimpers from April 1999 to September 2000, and before that, he played for the club, netting 13 goals in 118 appearances during the 1970s.
David Lee, who played for the Blues under Little’s management, was among the first to express his sorrow.
“Alan was brilliant for me, and he was one of the best managers I had in my entire career.
“I first went to Southend after Peter Taylor recommended me to him. I played a couple of games before he signed me, and he gave me my league debut, putting his faith in me.
“It was my first game, and I just remember him telling me to enjoy it, filling me with confidence. He immediately put me on set-pieces, and he was fantastic to play for.”
David memorably scored the Shrimpers’ second goal on his debut, a 2-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening day of the 2000/01 season.
He also developed a close relationship with the manager.
“He was a really good guy,” said David.
“He had time for you and always asked how you were; it wasn’t just about football with him.
“He was the manager, but he was also like a friend.”
“He was tough, but I really enjoyed playing for him, and I’m sure all the other lads who played back then would say the same.”
Current Blues boss Kevin Maher, who also played under Alan at Southend, shared his own tribute to his former manager.
“He was always really fair and straightforward with you,” said Kevin.
“He didn’t take any prisoners, but he was honest and a true footballing man.
“I’d seen him at a couple of our away games over the last few seasons, and he always made time to come down for a chat.
“He was always genuinely interested in what we were doing and was just a really good person.
“It’s such sad news, and we’ll be thinking of him this weekend.
“It’s perhaps quite fitting that we’re playing York, where he spent so many years as manager, as well.”
Alan managed York City, who will visit Roots Hall on Saturday, for six years. During his tenure, he won 108 of his 318 games in charge of the Minstermen, including a memorable League Cup victory against Manchester United back in 1995.
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