Taylor Moore 'heartbroken' by Southend's difficulties but focus now lies with new club Blackpool

The defender could be in line to make his debut for Simon Grayson’s men this weekend against his former side.

The 22-year-old, who has joined Blackpool on loan from Championship side Bristol City until the end of the season, made 40 appearances for the Shrimpers last term.

Southend, now under the management of former England defender Sol Campbell, are second from bottom in League One having won just three games all season.

“It’s a game that I’m really looking forward to but it’s absolutely heartbreaking to see such a good club in such difficulty this season,” Moore said.

“I really enjoyed my time there, I had a fantastic year and met some friends for life.

“It will be interesting to see many familiar faces on Saturday but my main focus now is Blackpool and climbing up the table.

“When I spoke to the manager before coming here the ambition was very clear, no matter what run we’ve been on.

“We need to flip it round going into that final stretch, so I definitely bought into everything the manager explained.

“If we can start with a win against Southend then we’ve got a very good chance of getting some wins together and building some momentum.”

Moore’s name is already etched in Blackpool folklore before even making his first appearance for the club.

The centre-back was the unfortunate Southend player to score a 96th-minute own goal in last season’s 2-2 draw in the game that was dubbed the ‘homecoming’ clash.

Upon signing for the Seasiders, Moore made light of the situation, tweeting: “that own goal last season at Bloomfield Road has done me absolute wonders!”

Moore added: “If you can’t make a joke of yourself, then who can?

“I just have to take that one on the chin and it’s something I learned from.

“But the fans can expect me to want the ball a lot as a centre back and step in as much as possible to try and create play.

“But I will always try and give 100 per cent, whatever the situation is and no matter what the result is.

“I’m just looking forward to maybe bringing something a little bit different to this team.

“I was captain through a couple of the England youth ranks and being vocal and being a leader is what you need at the back.

“If you can have as many leaders as possible in the dressing room it makes everyone else’s job easier, so that’s not something I’m afraid to do.

“I will talk and shout if I have to but sometimes you need a lot of players to step up to the plate and be leaders.”