Paul Clark

When Dave Webb stormed out with two months of the 1987-88 season left to play his place was taken by the team captain, Paul Clark. Paul was a local lad and had start his career as an apprentice with the Blues before moving to Brighton. He returned had returned in August 1982 and had played 185 games for Southend by the time he took over as acting manager.<br><br>He was a real fighter with a never say die attitude and despite his youth was able to motivate the players and ensure only the fourth promotion in the club's history. The most important victory of his short reign was the 1-0 victory over a rampant Wolves side who would otherwise have overtaken Blues for the third automatic promotion spot. Paul no doubt fully expected to become full time manager after his excellent work.