SOUTHEND United's most famous ever victory has been honoured with a new painting at Roots Hall.
Eighteen years ago tonight, a free-kick from Freddy Eastwood saw the Shrimpers beat a Manchester United side containing Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo 1-0 in the Carling Cup.
And that memorable win against Sir Alex Ferguson's side will now be further remembered thanks to Keith Bird's artwork which is proudly being hung in the boardroom.
Keith said: “I’m thrilled to see the painting up.
"I originally painted it for myself, without any thought of it going further.
“At the time, we were expecting to leave Roots Hall, so I wanted a way to keep its memory alive as a record for me.
"Then, with support from the Shrimpers Trust, things took off with some prints of the painting being made.
“Andy (Leeder) from the Trust mentioned that the club might be interested in the original and I thought that would be a dream to see it at Roots Hall.
"It feels right that it should be here.”
But Keith will soon have another painting on show at the Shrimpers' home.
The artist still vividly remembers watching Blues draw 0-0 with Liverpool back in 1979.
And his painting of that day is also heading to Roots Hall.
Keith added: "Although I queued up for six hours, I didn’t manage to get a ticket for the Man United game but the Liverpool game I remember very clearly, even though it was 1979.
“That one has a bit more meaning to me because I was actually at the game, and the viewpoint in the painting is where I stood, on the old south bank terrace.
The painting will also adorn the boardroom wall and new chairman Justin Rees is keen to embrace the club’s history.
He said: “It’s great to be able to have these iconic nights from our history commemorated in this way.
“Keith is a talented local artist and and a lifelong fan of the club so it’s fitting that his work now adorns our walls.”
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