DARRYL Flahavan has revealed he felt let down by Southend United during his first stint with the Shrimpers.

Flahavan's older brother Aaron died following a car crash in 2001 aged just 25.

And the popular ex Blues goalkeeper struggled badly before being released by manager Steve Wignall at the end of the 2002/03 season. 

"The first period was difficult," said Flahavan.

"I enjoyed my time under Dave Webb but Rob Newman took over after him and it didn’t work.

"My personal life in that time declined with the death of my brother as well.

"I hold my hands up and admit I wasn’t living my life the right way.

"My mum had moved to Spain and I was on my own.

"I was only 22 or 23 and I didn’t have a lot of support.

"At the time certain people at the club didn’t support me either and it was difficult.

"I was a young boy who needed a bit of help but instead the manager at the time said he didn’t want me.

"He said I didn’t live my life right and how I wasn’t doing this or that.

"It was sad because I was crying out for some support and I didn’t get it.

"It was used an excuse to get me out and bring in players he wanted to bring in."

Flahavan returned to Roots Hall just months after his departure and played a starring role in Blues bagging back to back promotions.