Coughlan demands right response (From Echo)

Southend United's Graham Coughlan demands right response against Rotherham United

8:30am Friday 10th February 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

BLUES’ assistant manager Graham Coughlan is demanding the right kind of response from his side when they host Rotherham United at Roots Hall tonight.

Southend head in to the match with the Millers having picked up just one point from their last three games.

And Coughlan wants to see an immediate improvement.

“This is a massive week for us and we need to see a positive reaction from the players,” said Coughlan, who made 48 appearances for Rotherham during the 2007/08 season.

“At Plymouth last weekend we showed a lack of discipline and professionalism to throw away a 2-0 lead late on and that hurt.

“We shot ourselves in the foot but good players react to setbacks and that’s what we need to see tonight.”

After dropping two points against Argyle, Blues have slipped to third in the standings and they could drop to fifth if Swindon and Shrewsbury Town both win their games in hand.

“I’m sure we could well find ourselves in fourth or fifth but we’re now chasing and not being chased,” said Coughlan.

“Maybe that might suit us but I still have every confidence in these lads and our run in, compared to most of the other teams, is quite favourable.”

Blues have Jack Sampson available again after a slight back problem but doubts remain over centre-back Mark Phillips who has missed the last two matches with a groin problem.