The link between Queen’s Park and the National League side is being forged by our Head of Goalkeeping Glen Johnson, who played for the Essex team at a youth level, and deeply wants to help James who suffered a heart attack in his early thirties back in 2019.

Glen said: “I remember James coming to Southend from Charlton and following his career at a number of clubs once he had left. What has happened to him is beyond unfortunate as he suffered a cardiac arrest whilst working as a school PE teacher and his heart ‘flat-lined’ for 30 minutes.”

“He was in a coma for a period and after coming out of that it was found that he was left with physical and mental health impairments. He is only 35, and has three young daughters, and once the extent of his issues were known the Southend United Ex-Players Association stepped up with a number of actions designed to help improve James and his family’s life as much as they can.”

“They have organised a benefit match and are also auctioning off football items such as the jerseys that Queen’s Park donated. That was a great gesture by our club and I am delighted that David snapped up Stephen’s one when it became available and hopefully other Queen’s Park supporters can pick up Dom’s and Connor’s and support a great cause.”

“The expenses of the benefit match are now covered so everything from here on in is going to James’ family to pay for essential therapy sessions.”

David said: “As soon as I knew that Stephen’s jersey was available I contacted the people at Southend United and put my bid in. It was accepted and they sent me it to me the next day along with a great letter about how everyone down there has adopted Queen’s Park as their favourite Scottish club and are backing our bid for promotion.”

“To top last week off Stephen scored the winning goal against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Hopefully a couple of other Queen’s Park fans can get Dom’s and Connor’s tops.”

Anyone looking to make a bid for either home jersey is asked to email suepassoc@gmail.com