PETER Gilbert heads back to Northampton Town tomorrow insisting he is only interested in securing three points for Southend United.

The 27-year-old left-back incurred the wrath of Cobblers manager Ian Sampson when he swapped the Sixfields Stadium for Roots Hall during the summer.

Sampson accused Gilbert of going back on his word and said he felt very let down by the defender’s decision to depart.

But Gilbert remains focused on just the football and continuing Blues’ recent good run of results.

“It did disappoint me what was said but the gaffer made his comments and he can say what we wants because I’m concentrating on Southend and I’m not interested to be honest,” said Gilbert, who played 31 games while with Northampton.

“Hopefully I’ll get a good reception because when I joined we went on a good run and only just missed out on making the play-offs.

“I always gave 110 per cent when I played for them as well but whenever somebody leaves a club there is some animosity.

“They do have a great set of lads there but hopefully we can get another good result.”

Northampton boss Sampson, whose side have yet to win in the league so far this season, was also keen to play down Gilbert’s return.

And he added he was not concerned by the reception the defender received.

“It's history now,” said Sampson.

“He's moved on and he's not a Northampton player anymore.

“He's a Southend player and we will look to get one over him as we would any other player.

"It's up to the fans what reception they give him and I'm not going to ask them not to give him a hard time, they are more than welcome."

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO