IMAGINE being a born-and-bred Southend United nut now living in Crewe...and a hardcore Crewe Alexandra fan living by the sea in, yes you’ve guessed it, Southend!

But that’s reality for true Blue Rob Clements, 25, and true Crewe Gavin Cornell, 36, who will be trying to keep a low profile in their current homes towns come next Sunday’s cup final at Wembley.

Rob Clements, 25, lives in Stone, a small village by Crewe, but has always loved Southend United. A love which has stemmed from his dad Ian, who still lives in Leigh.

Rob said: “I have seen a number of Southend (mainly away) matches, this year and specifically in the run to the final. I saw the matches against Leyton Orient and the nail-biting penalty shoot-out win over Oxford in the semis.

“Luckily, I don’t live in the very heart of Crewe so I haven’t been on the back end of too much stick, but I am a proud Blue and won’t shy away from that!

“I cannot wait for the final and genuinely think we have a great chance of winning it. “We have beaten teams from League One in the run to the final so we can down another one I am sure of it. We always seem to pull it out against the big teams.”

Rob added: "I will be going down to the game with my other half and will meet my Dad and some friends on the way. We saw both legs against Crewe in last season's play-off final and although we didn't win that day I know we can this time around."

Meanwhile, Gavin Cornell has followed Crewe Alexandra ever since he bumped into the team on a weekend away with his family in Torquay. They were staying in a South coast hotel where he and his son Josh walked in on the first team while in a full-flight team meeting. However, instead of turning them away manager Steve Davis invited them to listen to the teams tactics for the match against Torquay.

Gavin, who now lives on New Road, Hadleigh, and teaches at Bournemouth Park Primary School, Southend, has followed them ever since.

He said: “I couldn’t believe it when we met the team, they were such a nice bunch.

“The manager was a lovely fella too and I am looking forward to the big day next week. “I saw them beat Southend in the play-offs last year so am confident of a repeat performance.”

“I also follow Canvey Island, so yes I have to really hate Southend!”