CHRIS Wreh insists he will forever be grateful for the part Southend United played in his career.

The former Shrimpers striker will be back at Roots Hall with Tamworth this weekend.

But the 28-year-old will never forget the opportunity handed to him by Blues boss Kevin Maher.

“I will always have respect for Southend, the manager and most importantly the fans who were always so supportive towards me,” said Wreh.

“I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity they gave me in my career and I really enjoyed it there.

“I’m still in regular contact with a lot of the boys there and it was sad ultimately I had to leave.”

Wreh joined Blues ahead of the 2022/23 season after impressing on trial and went on to score four goals in 29 appearances.

However, the forward was unable to remain at Roots Hall due to the club’s transfer embargo and he joined Hartlepool United in July 2023.

Wreh made just five starts for Pools before joining Tamworth, initially on loan, back in February.

And he is enjoying lining up for the Lambs who won the National League North title last season.

“It’s been going really well with Tamworth,” said Wreh.

“I’ve scored a few goals and we as a team have proved many wrong that we can compete at this level.

“We want to keep that going and finish in a respectable position in the league.

“I want to help that happen by scoring and consistently playing at a good level.”

Wreh has scored three goals in 10 games this season.

But he is fighting to be fit enough to feature this weekend “I’ve had a calf tear and a blood clot in my calf stroke shin,” said Wreh.

“I’ve trained once but I’m hopeful I will play.”