Catching up with former Southend United midfielder Mark Gower

But the previous meeting is one that will live long in the memory.

The Shrimpers triumphed 2-1 despite having striker Tes Bramble in goal for the whole of the second half after Darryl Flahavan was sent off.

However, it was a night which initially started in disappointing fashion for Blues goalscorer Mark Gower who just missed out on facing his childhood hero Paul Gascoigne.

“I remember Gazza was with Boston and left just a couple of days before the game” said Gower.

“He was my hero as a kid so I was gutted when he went and wasn’t going to be playing.

“It was Friday night and I used to love those games.

“I remember Tes going in goal and one of the saves but I honestly can’t remember my goal at all if I’m honest.

“I’m sure it was an overhead kick with my left foot but we had a lot of really good games around that time.

“Freddy Eastwood’s debut against Swansea was around that time too and it was just a great group of lads.

“It was a good time to be a Southend fan because we had a lot of great players too who went on to play higher and make a name for themselves too.”

That certainly included Gower who opted to join Swansea City at the end of the 2007/08 season.

The move eventually led to the midfielder becoming a Premier League player.

But he originally wanted to stay with the Shrimpers.

“Things happen for a reason but to be quite honest with you I didn’t want to leave and I was happy at Southend,” recalled Gower.

“I’d come off a really good season in the Championship, I’d scored 10 goals from midfield but the new contract offer didn’t reflect that in the slightest.

“I had a young family to support at the time so to let my contract run down was a big decision but ultimately it proved to be really good.

“I had a few offers to go elsewhere and luckily enough chose Swansea.

“I went on to play in the Premier League and that’s where every player wants to be.”

But Gower still remains involved at the very top of the English game, working as part of Liverpool’s recruitment team.

“I feel blessed and lucky to be working for such a great club,” said Gower.

“I work with some fantastic people during a period of success for the club.

“It’s been a really good experience and I’ve just been made the head of technical scouting.

“I do a lot of the video work and I’ve been given a new title.

“It’s analysing player trades and attributes which is great.”

“It’s something I really enjoy.”

Gower was originally brought to Anfield by his former Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers.

But he is not the only member of his family involved with a Premier League club as Gower’s son Jimi – who started off with the Shrimpers – is pushing closer to Arsenal’s first team squad.

“He actually made the first team tour to America,” said Gower.

“He came on for about 10 minutes against Bournemouth which was lovely to see.

“He’s hoping to get five or six good performances in the under 21s this season and then maybe out on loan in January somewhere.

“Maybe I’ll have to suggest Southend!”

Gower’s close friend and former Blues team-mate Kevin Maher is now in charge of Blues.

And his involvement has rekindled Gower’s passion for the Shrimpers.

“It's really rejuvenated my interest,” said Gower.

“Of course I’ve always looked out for Southend’s results but with everything going on there it’s been a tough watch recently.

“But what Kev did last year was a minor miracle with everything that was going on.

“They kept performing and would’ve made the play-offs without the points deduction.

“It’s the right place and the right time for him and the club.

“I don’t want to put any pressure on him but I think they’ve got every chance of doing something great this season and getting back in the Football League which would be brilliant.”