By Nathan Jackson
October 15 2010

For the second time in three calendar years, the Imps have appointed a manager who defeated them in the Playoffs. Coming three years to the day since Schofield and Deehan were sacked by the club, Tilson was confirmed as manager at 9am on Friday.

The 44 year old is venturing out of the south east for the first time as either a player or manager. During his playing career, he spent time at Witham Town, Southend United (twice), Brentford and Canvey Island, three of which are based in Essex.

At the end of his playing career, he took up a job running the Centre of Excellent until the sacking of Steve Wignall as first team manager. Tilson initially took over as first team manager on a caretaker basis and although it took a while, he did eventually easily save Southend from relegation and reached the LDV Vans Trophy final, beating QPR, Colchester and Luton in the latter stages, all of whom were in the division above Southend. They lost the final 2-0 to Blackpool.

The following season started slowly and they were battling relegation for the early part, a 4-1 win at Rushden kickstarting their season. With signings such as Freddy Eastwood, whom scored less than 9 seconds into his Southend debut, Southend marched up the table and at a time looked likely title contenders. They again reached the LDV Vans Trophy final, although this time they lost out to Wrexham.

They went into the final day in a unique situation as one of four teams that could all go up on the final day. It was the only time in the history of the Football League that not a single team has had their promotion confirmed before the final day. Although they drew, wins for Yeovil and Swansea, as well as Scunthorpe winning, forced Southend into the Playoffs, and we all know what happened then.

Winning League One a year later as part of an Essex 1-2 (Colchester came second), they competed in the Championship and even beat a strong Manchester United side in the Carling Cup. They would be relegated though, finding the step up a bit too much. They did make the League One Playoffs a year later but were soundly beaten 5-1 on aggregate by eventually promoted Doncaster Rovers.

Tilson stayed at Southend for another two years before being placed on gardening leave towards the end of last season.

He will be in the stands for the game at Shrewsbury tomorrow, leaving Scott Lindsey in charge.

Steve Tilson announced as Lincoln City manager

Discussion started by theimps.ka (IP Logged), 15/10/2010 08:59

theimps.ka
15/10/2010 08:59

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