TRIBUTES have been paid to former Southend United manager Alan Little who died yesterday, aged 69.

Alan managed the Shrimpers between April 1999 and September 2000 having previously lined up for the club during his playing career, scoring 13 goals in 118 appearances in the 1970s.

And David Lee - who played for Blues when Little was in charge - was among the first to express his sadness.

“It’s so sad to hear the news and it’s come out of the blue too,” said the ex-Southend midfielder.

“Alan was brilliant for me and he was one of the best managers I had in my whole career.

“I first went to Southend as Peter Taylor recommended me to him and I played a couple of games before he signed me. He gave me my league debut and put faith in me.

“It was my first game and I just remember him telling me to enjoy it and putting so much confidence in me. He put me on set-pieces straight away and he was brilliant to play for.”

David memorably scored the Shrimpers’ second goal on his debut, a 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening day of the 2000/01 season.

And he went on to form a close relationship with the manager.

“He was a really good guy,” said David.

“He had time for you and always asked how you were, it wasn’t just the football he would speak to you about.

“He was the manager but he was also like a mate.

“He was tough but I really enjoyed playing for him and I’m sure all the other lads who played back then would say the same.”

Current Blues boss Kevin Maher also played in Alan’s Southend side.

And he also paid tribute to his former manager.

“He was always really fair and straight up with you,” said Kevin.

“He didn’t take any prisoners but he was honest and a real good footballing man.

“I’d seen him at a couple of our away games in the last couple of seasons and he always came down for a chat.

“He was always really interested in what we were doing and was just a really good person.

“It’s such sad news and we’ll be thinking of him this weekend.

“It’s perhaps quite fitting we’re playing York where he spent so many years as manager as well.”

Alan took charge of York City – who visit Roots Hall on Saturday – for six years.

He won 108 of his 318 games in charge of the Minstermen including a memorable League Cup win against Manchester United back in 1995.