Southend United manager Steve Tilson has admitted he never considered quitting Roots Hall during Blues difficult season.

United travel to Oldham Athletic knowing that even a win might not be enough to prevent them being relegated from League One.

But despite having only picked up one win in 19 matches, Tilson confirmed he never felt like walking away.

"I would never walk away from here, I'm just not that type of person," Tilson told Blues Player on Thursday.

"It has been a difficult season and probably my toughest yet to be honest but at the same time it's a challenge and I don't ever give up on things."

Tilson, who has been in charge at Southend since November 2003, has a year to run on his current contract.

The longest serving manager in League One has also been boosted by the news that chairman Ron Martin wants the 43-year-old to stay on.

Tilson attended a scheduled board meeting yesterday afternoon and is sure talks will continue once the season is over.

"We have two and half weeks left of the season now and I'm sure there are a few things which will be discussed," he said.

"We will have to wait and see what happens but at this stage we're all concentrating on the matches we have left."

Blues are currently 23rd in the table, seven points from safety with just nine left to play for.

The odds are therefore firmly stacked against them but Tilson is demanding an improved display against the Latics.

"I want us to go there and play with more energy and enthusiasm," he stressed.

"We need a miracle to stay up but we will do everything we can to win the last three games."