23 years after my first visit, finally an Ewood Park return to watch Southend take on the League One leaders.  Even part full in third tier of football, it's a grand old stadium, brimming with history and the view from the Darwen end is excellent. A lot has changed in those 23 years - Southend's young left back is now the messianic manager. Despite falling behind after an hour, the visitors provided a grandstand finish to send the 700 travelling fans away proud of their team and hopeful for the season ahead.  But wasn't it always that way?