SOUTHEND United will be roared on by their biggest crowd of the season so far when they host Gillingham at Roots Hall this afternoon.

More than 7,000 tickets have already been sold for match.

And boss Paul Sturrock is keen for the fans to get right behind his team.

“Hopefully we’ll have a big crowd in attendance because people won’t be at work and we want them to be encouraging us as they normally do,” said Sturrock.

“They’ll be wanting to get some fresh air as most people will probably be hung-over after New Year’s Eve so hopefully we can put on a good show for them and give them plenty to cheer.

Blues’ current biggest crowd of the season is 5,348 for their game against Dagenham & Redbridge in September.