Southend boss Steve Tilson is looking forward to the opening day of the new season where his side will entertain Peterborough United at Roots Hall on Saturday 9th August.

Tilson will come up against his former manager Barry Fry, now Peterborough United Director of Football. Fry managed the Blues for eight months during the 1993-94 season and Steve Tilson was in his side.

'I still see Barry when we sometimes do television work together. Obliviously I played under him and learnt my trade, so it will different to be in the opposite dressing room as him now.' Tilson told Southend United's official website.

'Darren Ferguson is the boss at Peterborough but Barry has done really well to wheel and deal and sign some excellent players for him. Peterborough's chairman has put a lot of money in, they got promoted at a canter last season, and I'm sure they will be towards the top this year.

'It should prove a competitive fixture; it's a nice way to start the season off.'