Tilly: 'We're a tight knit group here'
Blues boss Steve Tilson will be looking for his side to once again raise above events off the field and give 100% to beating Gillingham.
Tilly spoke to www.southendunited.co.uk: "It's been a tough time but we're a tight knit group here and I know the players will give me absolutely everything when they get onto the pitch this evening. Winning tonight would be a huge lift so that's what we are aiming for."
Having dismissed any thoughts that he himself will be on the bench tonight, after including himself in the Essex Senior Cup side that lost to Bowers and Pitsea Wednesday evening, Tilly did confirm that a couple of the youth players who did well would be included.
One returning loanee who will see action is James Walker, back from Hereford where he scored twice in 7 appearances for the League Two club.
Tilly said: "We had one fit striker before James came back so it was a no-brainer for me. He also wants to come back which pleases me and hopefully he can go out there and do well."
Stimpson: 'They try and play the right way'
Gills boss Mark Stimpson will be celebrating two years in charge of the Kent based club this Sunday and will be hoping his side gives him the perfect present with their first away win of the season.
Stimpson talked to www.kentonline.co.uk: "Whatever happens it's going to be tough. We're reading and hearing all different things coming out of Southend. It can work against you sometimes when you are playing a team who might be put into administration and seem to be up against it. A lot of teams then get together and fight that little bit more. Southend's form at home over the last few years has been decent. I spent some time there myself as a player and they try and play the right way."