Assistant manager Kenny Black knows the importance of Saturday’s game for the Iron when Bristol Rovers visit Glanford Park.
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It is the first of two home games in a row and Black wants his side to get off to the perfect start by beating the Pirates.
Black previewed the Rovers test with iFollow Iron, while also providing team news and commenting on Lee Novak’s contract extension.
“After the disappointment of the Oxford result, we are trying to be as positive as we can in the lead-up to the Bristol Rovers game,” said Black.
“We have got two home games coming up and six points at stake. It will be great to pick up the six points and that is certainly what we will be striving to do, but first we are playing a dangerous Bristol Rovers side.
“I think the importance of the three points on Saturday is very evident, but the players have been training well and we are looking forward to it.”
He added: “We watched Bristol Rovers on TV on Tuesday and hopefully the disappointment of not reaching Wembley will still be with them when they arrive here.
“They have got players that can cause us problems and hopefully we have got players that can cause them problems.
“Under Graham (Coughlan), they have been performing well, been fairly consistent and he has got them in a better position than where they were before.
“It is all about what we do and make sure they do not cause us any problems.”
The Iron have gone five games unbeaten at home, which has included three wins and two draws against promotion contenders Sunderland and Doncaster Rovers.
Black wants this form to continue, as they enter the final stages of the season.
He said: “Consistency at home is always important and if we can keep that up, it will go a long way to pushing us back up the table.
“We need to gather as many points as we can, as quickly as we can. The home form is going to be vital.”
The assistant manager then confirmed that both Josh Morris and Jordan Clarke have been back on the grass training, but didn’t provide a timescale for when the duo will be in contention to play.
“It has been good to see them back. The sooner we get them back, the better,” said Black.
He continued: “It will be a similar squad from last week, but big Webby (Byron Webster) will be back involved, as he has joined in training this week.
“All of the lads are bursting to get a chance. With a double header coming up on Saturday and Tuesday, it may well be a time to utilise the whole squad. We will see how Saturday goes first.”
Finally, Black was full of praise for Lee Novak, who has recently triggered an extension in his contract to remain at the club until at least the end of next season.
He said: “He is a striker that we had never worked with before, but he has been really good in training and with the way he acquits himself in the games.
“He is the perfect foil for Kyle Wootton, who is learning the trade.
“He has loads of experience and deserves his new deal. He has been a positive for us all.”
United’s next home game sees them face Bristol Rovers at Glanford Park on Saturday, March 9th (3pm kick-off). Click here for details of our Twin Pack offer, where you can make a big saving on tickets for the Southend United home match three days later. Buy tickets now at www.sufctickets.com.