Southend boss Steve Tilson has issued a rallying call ahead of the play-off final.
Southend boss Steve Tilson has issued a rallying call ahead of Saturday's League Two play-off final against Lincoln.Tilson has stolen the managerial plaudits this term after guiding unfancied Southend to the brink of obtaining League One status - in what has been an excellent campaign for the rookie chief.
Southend were one of four clubs who could have claimed the title on the final day of the season, but ultimately finished fourth, meaning the play-offs and not the automatic promotion they craved.
However, Tilson remains in an optimistic frame of mind and is urging his side for one more effort in a final push for promotion.
''I've been involved with Southend for a number of years now,'' Tilson told Sky Sports News.
''I love this club and would love to get promotion this year.
''Then we can look at getting promotion again the following year or steadying the ship and giving it a go in the next couple of years.
''I'm focused on staying here and getting us as far as we can.''
Southend midfielder Kevin Maher has echoed the words of his manager and has also backed the club's supporters to make themselves heard at Cardiff.
''The last couple of trips we've taken 20,000 which is unbelievable,'' said Maher.
''Our average gates are up again this year and hopefully they can find it in them to come one more time.
''Hopefully, we can repay them this time.''
