BILLY Paynter is desperate to silence his biggest critics as he returns to the scene of his lowest moments in professional football this afternoon.

The Town striker will spearhead the attack at former club Southend United, admitting it would be a special moment if he could "put one over" the fans who turned his Essex spell into a nightmare.

Paynter joined the Shrimpers at the start of 2006 for £200,000 but after just nine appearances and no goals, his misery ended when former Town boss Paul Sturrock brought him to the County Ground.

With five Robins' goals under his belt he has put that pain behind him but admits he cannot forget the abuse he suffered at the hands of the Southend faithful.

He said: "They had all sorts of nicknames for me because they love me there don't they? No, they called me all sorts but I am not bothered about that.

"As long as I can get out on the pitch and get one over them I will be happy. That would be special for me.

"I always give it my best. Some days you can't produce your best but the way things have gone and the way the game is on Saturday it could be an extra incentive for me.

"You want to score, you want to do something against a club like that. If they jeer me I am not bothered because it was not a good time there for me."

Many Southend fans are already the chance to renew old rivalries with their ex striker this afternoon but Paynter himself admits he does not understand why.

He said: "I had a brief spell there and did not really get a chance but you move on and these things happen. I play for Swindon now.

"I would understand if I played 30 games and did nothing but I got about five starts and never finished a game.

"I was disappointed with how it went. I was thinking at least tell me if you did not like me, but to keep saying stuff to me and keep me tagging along it was hard."

Town travel to Roots Hall for today's League One clash with a crippling injury and suspension list, as well as behind the scenes problems plunging the club's future into uncertainty.

Striker Barry Corr is the latest to join those on the sidelines, with a recurrence of his back injury, but Paynter insists the squad's character will pull them through.

He said: "They are a strong side, especially at home, but as long as we can get in their faces and upset them we can get something out of the game.

"We are struggling with suspensions and injuries and our numbers are short. But we have still got a good strong side available and I think we can go there positively.

"It is not a nice problem to have but I am sure management can put something together. I was told about Barry and it is disappointing for the side and very disappointing for him.

"I think Southend have quality all over the pitch. It is a tight compact ground and their fans will help them but we have to frustrate them."