In the 2005–06 season, Southend had another successful campaign and on 29 April 2006, the Shrimpers were promoted to the
Football League Championship after a 2–2 draw with
Swansea City at the Welsh club's new
Liberty Stadium. Southend was crowned League One champions on 6 May 2006 after beating
Bristol City 1–0 at
Roots Hall in front of over 11,000 fans. This was the last professional appearance of
Shaun Goater; fans from his former club
Manchester City came to give him a special send-off at the end of a long and distinguished career. For Southend United, the title was the club's first in 25 years. On 6 May 2006, Tilson was named as the League Manager Association's Manager-of-the-Season for
League One. ==Final league table==