Against a backdrop of Gombeys, screaming Manchester City fans and a League One title decider, the curtain comes down on Shaun Goater?s illustrious career this afternoon in England.

A 12,000 sell-out crowd ? including 400 City fans and at least two dozen Bermudians ? will pack Roots Hall to watch promoted Southend take on Goater?s former club Bristol City in the final game of the season.

The Shrimpers have achieved a rare second successive promotion and a win ? or at least matching arch-rivals Colchester?s result ? will see the League One title go their way to cap a season that has surpassed all expectations.

And the day will be extra special as Goater signs off from his impressive 18-year career in all divisions of UK football in a ?Blues Bermuda Bonanza? day the club have organised in his honour.

?You don?t know how excited I am,? said Goater, who will be playing in his 470th league game and seeking his 222nd league goal.

?I?ve been getting calls from so many Bermudians this week, it feels like the game is being played at home! It?s going to be an incredible day. The first thing is winning the title and then hopefully I can also get on the scoresheet.?

This will be the second time Goater will be the centre of attention, having been made captain for City against Southampton in his final game for the club in their last match at Maine Road.

?The last time I had a similar experience was the last day at Maine Road, but the emotions got to me and I didn?t perform so well, but I am hoping that doesn?t happen today,? he continued.

?It?ll also be good to finish on a goal and I?ll be doing everything in my power to score and hope I get the opportunities.?

National coach and former pro Kyle Lightbourne along with his wife will be at Roots Hall to watch Goater play as will assistant coach Paul Scope, friends and family of both Goater and his wife Anita and former national team goalkeeper and North Village coach Dwayne (Streaker) Adams.

The only disappointment for Goater is that his mother couldn?t make it.

?It is a shame, I wanted her to come down,? said Goater, who has been struggling to contain his excitement all week.

?She didn?t want to fly alone over here and I can understand that. I am going to make sure she gets to see the DVDs and all the pictures, though. There is going to be plenty to show her after this.

?I think I am going to be taking the camcorder out with me onto the pitch after the game, this is going to be a very special day.

?And I want to say thank you to everyone who is making it special to me, people don?t realise how much we, as footballers, appreciate the support and the goodwill.?

To be celebrating a promotion, and possibly a title, is a dream come true for Goater who agreed to play just one more year of football after a miserable time at Reading last season.

He had been seriously considering retirement until the persistence of Southend?s manager Steve Tilson paid off, with the Goat agreeing to be fed for one more year.

Goater has repaid the club with 11 goals this campaign and the veteran has played a vital role in helping the side?s younger players, including strike partner Freddy Eastwood who has broken the 20-goal mark and said of Goater: ?He?s like my dad?.

?I came here thinking that if we could finish in the middle of the table then that would be great, but we have finished so well to get promoted and still with the opportunity to be champions,? Goater added.

?The club have given me a great tribute. It?s quite remarkable and it is Southend saying ?thanks for your service for this year, but we also know what you have done in football over the last 16 years?.

?The fans will be out in colourful clothes, the atmosphere will be electric and you will see my smile all day.?

Goater?s last goal for Southend, and what could end up being the last of his career, was his 260th in all competitions, the consolation strike in a 2-1 loss to MK Dons on March 18.

Bookmakers have made him 4-1 to be the first goalscorer today.