A100-YEAR-OLD Blues fan has insisted she won’t stop backing her beloved side anytime soon, after spending decades following her home-town club.
Annie Maxted, from Leigh, “never misses a game” whether she is at Roots Hall or eagerly listening on the radio after following Southend United since the fifties.
Her earliest memories are watching the side playing at the former Greyhound Stadium before the Blues moved to Roots Hall in 1955.
The life-long fan has many fond memories over the years, but one stands out more than most – when Southend beat Manchester United 1-0 in the League Cup at Roots Hall in November 2006.
On Saturday, Ms Maxted was invited to Roots Hall for a special meal and to watch the game to celebrate her lifelong dedication.
She was joined by Anna Firth Tory MP for Southend West, Kevin Robinson, Southend mayor and Debbie Robinson mayoress of Southend, as well as getting to meet manager Kevin Maher.
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She said: “I followed them when they played at the greyhound stadium and went to the opening of Roots Hall so have followed them for many years.
“I’ve always loved the team and football and we would go with them when they played away too. I remember playing against Ipswich one year and the ground was so muddy it was like Southend’s mudflats.
“I don’t go as much any more as my legs are not good but I never miss a match and listen on the radio.
“They team is a big part of my life and I remember seeing the now manager Kevin Maher play many, many times.
“I remember watching them playing Manchester United which was so exciting but it was so muddy that day.”
The loyal fan said it’s been tough in the past seeing the club go through tough times.
She said: “It was upsetting and I was a bit depressed and wondering what was going on.
“I also went to see the new Roots Hall Stadium with others before it opened and love it.
“I also liked it when they played at the old greyhound stadium too.
I will keep watching and supporting them all the way and am looking forward to the next match.
“I think they are doing well as they are fifth in the league, which is good.”
A club spokesman said: “We were delighted to host Annie along with Anna Firth and Kevin Robinson and their guests for the Dorking game. Annie was great fun and thoroughly enjoyed the game, we hope she returns to Roots Hall soon.”
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