GARY Poole is tipping Charlton Athletic to triumph when two of his former sides go head to head tomorrow.

But he feels the Addicks may not have things all their own way.

The former right-back remains the most expensive defender in Southend United’s history after costing the Shrimpers £350,000 in July 1993.

And he feels the current Blues side could capitalise if Charlton are not at their best at the Valley this weekend.

“If you look at the midweek results and the league table you would have to fancy Charlton to win,” said Poole, 42.

“Charlton won at Brighton in the week, while Southend were beaten 3-0 at home to Norwich but you never know what can happen in this league.

“Charlton are second but they are a young side and they could have a hiccup soon, maybe against Southend.

“But with Leeds running away with things and Norwich doing well now too they can’t really afford for that to happen.”

Poole still looks out for both side’s results and holds happy memories from his time with Southend and Charlton.

He originally began his professional career with Tottenham Hotspur before playing for Cambridge United, Barnet and Plymouth Argyle.

Poole then teamed up with his former Barnet boss Barry Fry at Roots Hall and helped the Shrimpers surge up towards the top of what is now called the Championship.

“It was all so exciting and I think it’s probably the most successful team Southend have ever had,” said Poole.

“We were second or third in the table and had a phenomenal team. We had exciting young players like Ricky Otto and Jonathan Hunt plus some experienced ones like Keith Jones, Chris Powell, Andy Ansah and Brett Angell.

“Individually and collectively it was great and the spirit was fantastic and it was all going so well until Barry Fry left.”

Fry walked out on the Shrimpers in December 1993 to take control of Birmingham City.

And his replacement in the Roots Hall hot-seat, Peter Taylor, was unable to keep Blues in the race for a place in the Premier League as they faded to eventually finish in mid-table.

“You do wonder what might have happened if Barry hadn’t have left and if we would have gone up,” said Poole.

“It certainly was possible because the team was so strong but Peter Taylor had different ideas and wanted different players and it just didn’t work out for him.”

Subsequently, Poole, who made 53 appearances for Blues, ended up following Fry to Birmingham in September 1994 and he also has happy memories from spell at St Andrews.

But, two years later, he was on the move again as he joined Charlton Athletic.

“Charlton is an absolutely fantastic club,” said Poole. “It was superbly run when I was there and the manager, Alan Curbishley, was different class.

“And I think it showed just how good he was after he left and they got relegated twice.”

The Addicks are now showing signs of bouncing books but Poole is more concerned with matters away from football these days as he now lives in Marbella, Spain.

“I’m selling property over here to footballers,” he confirmed. “I’ve been doing it for seven years and it really is good fun.”