Source: FOOTYMAD
Southend United's Efe Sodje on being at Bury
Southend United's former centre-half Efe Sodje has enjoyed seven promotions, including a couple at Southend, and is now focusing on a eighth at present club Bury. Efetobore Sodje: Efe Sodje does not want his former Southend United side to derail his latest push for promotion with Bury tonight. The experienced 38-year-old centre-back, who made 41 appearances while with Blues, has helped teams climb up a division seven times already in his career. And he is determined to add to that tally with Bury. "I'm proud of my seven promotions but I'm not finished yet and before I eventually decide to retire I want to make it eight with Bury," said Sodje. "We're in the top seven at the moment but we need to keep it going which means we need a result against Southend." But, apart from this evening's encounter, Sodje would also love to see Blues do well this season. The former Nigeria international, who played at the 2002 World Cup for his country, helped Southend win League One during his time at Roots Hall. And he thoroughly enjoyed his stint by the seaside, which ended in July 2007. "I loved it at Southend and I have nothing bad to say about my time there at all," said the defender. "The only disappointing thing was that I broke my ankle playing against Bournemouth but I have some great memories from my time there. "Winning the league was fantastic and so was beating Manchester United in the Carling Cup. I don't think anyone to do with Southend is ever going to forget that night and I also got to play with some fantastic players like Kevin Maher, Shaun Goater, Lee Bradbury and Freddy Eastwood. "I didn't want to leave either but the manager didn't want me to stay so I had no choice and ended up going to Gillingham which was a good move for me at the time." Since his departure Sodje has continued to track Southend's fortunes and, although the club now find themselves back in League Two, he remains a firm believer in what chairman Ron Martin is trying to achieve. "Ron was fantastic for me when I was at Southend and I know how hard he works for the club," said Sodje. "I understand that people have been questioning what he's doing and it is a real shame that the club have been relegated twice in the last few years. "But I think it's important that everyone backs Ron because he knows where he wants to take Southend and I'm sure he will be able to do it as well." Sodje is more concerned with Bury these days though and is now also part of the club's coaching staff. "I'm a player coach and it's something I enjoy," said Sodje. "I'm doing my UEFA B coaching badge at the moment but I still love playing. "And I haven't really thought about retiring just yet because I seem to be getting younger every year."
