SOUTHEND United wing-back Jack Bridge wants to end the most eventful season of his career on a high.
Bridge will head into tonight’s match with Dorking Wanderers at Roots Hall having made more goals in the National League than any other player this season.
But the 28-year-old’s campaign was looking far less certain during a worrying time for the Shrimpers.
“You look back and you do forget some of things that happened and what it was like right at the start,” said Bridge.
“I didn’t have a contract and didn’t even know if I would still be here.
“There were worries if we could play, could I play and could I sign.
“There was so much going on I wouldn’t know about too and pre-season was so different.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that and then we had one sub at times too.
“To come through and the 10 points deduction to even be talking about play-offs is credit to everyone at the club but we want to keep this run we’re on going.
“We’ll take it one game at a time but we obviously want to finish as high up as we can.”
Blues are currently 10th in the table having gone seven matches without defeat.
And Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher is pleased with how Bridge continues to contribute despite some criticism among the fans for not delivering enough early crosses into the box.
“Because we get into certain situations on the pitch so often people always expect more,” said Maher.
“If you told us Bridgey was going to get 12 assists this season and five or six goals, then you’d take that as it’s not bad at all.
“We want to score different types of goals, absolutely, but Bridgey is contributing massively.
“He’s a local boy who loves the club and he’s doing brilliantly.
“He’s performed week in, week out and continues to do that.
“As a fan or as a manager you can’t ask for too much more.”
But Maher insists the Shrimpers are still trying to improve in the final third.
“Of course we tweak things and want to improve but what he’s giving us this season after seeing where he was without a contract and then non-contract has been brilliant,” said Maher.
“Let’s not forget he could’ve walked out.”
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