BALLYFERMOT United hope tonight’s friendly with Southend United can be the start of a close relationship between the two clubs.

The Shrimpers head to Coldcut Grounds this evening to continue their preparations for the forthcoming National League campaign.

And former Ballyfermot star Tom Moore wants the game to signal the beginning of a partnership which could boost both teams.

“As a Ballyfermot man we’d love to link up and form a partnership in whatever way that might work in the future,” said Moore.

“Maybe some day we could get schoolboy teams over to Southend and who knows what opportunities could expand from this. But it’s really good for the club to have Southend coming over for this game.”

Moore, who spent close to two decades playing for Ballyfermot, still works closely with his hometown club.

And, through his work with Podium Sports Management, Moore also helped to set up this evening’s encounter.

“Dave (McManus) was liaising with Kevin Maher and with Podium Sports we try and create links with clubs,” explained Moore.

“We got wind that they needed a friendly and with Ballyfermot being my local club and the fact they’re doing really well after a couple of bad years it’s great we could get it sorted.

“The facilities are good and there are new dressing rooms now which are League of Ireland standard and probably among the best in the country.

“The pitch is one of the best amateur pitches in the country so there are a lot of positives and it all fitted together really well.”

Just like Southend, Ballyfermot are on the way up after a tough period.

The Irish side have won promotion back up to the Leinster Senior League and also have a big FAI Cup match against Wexford to look forward to in mid August.

“We had about 700 or 800 fans in the last round we won and we’re into the last 16 of what is the Irish FA Cup so it’s brilliant for the club,” said Moore.

“We play Wexford in two weeks time so having this high-profile friendly has tied everything together really well.

“It’s great to continue this crest of a wave we’re on after years of turbulence before that.

“We’ve had relegations but we’re climbing back up and we’ve had three promotions in four years.

“We play in the Leinster Senior League now which is the top league under the League of Ireland basically.

“It’s technically non-league but the standard is quite high.”

And Ballyfermot will soon also be involved in another memorable match as they host a Manchester United legends side which includes the likes of Jaap Stam.

“The Man United match is maxed out for 2,000 but we’re hoping for a good crowd tonight too,” said Moore.

“We would’ve got more if it was a Saturday but that wasn’t possible.

“We’ve had 40 Southend fans buy tickets though which is great and we look forward to welcoming them all."