SOUTHEND United assistant manager Graham Coughlan has urged the Shrimpers to learn lessons from Sheffield United as Blues bid to bounce back from last weekend’s heavy defeat at Rotherham.

Blues were beaten 5-0 by the Millers during a disappointing display.

But Coughlan now wants Southend’s players to show the same fighting spirit Sheffield United did after suffering a convincing 3-0 defeat to Blues at this stage last season before hitting back to win the League One title.

“I’ve said it to the players this week and we need to learn from what Sheffield United did last season and show the same kind of spirit as they did,” said Coughlan.

“We beat them convincingly this time last season but it spurred them on and we need to go and do the same now.

“Come the end of the season we don’t want people to even remember what happened at Rotherham but the only way to do that is to be successful, so that’s the challenge we’re facing.”

Blues had started the season with an impressive 2-1 win against Blackburn Rovers before their heavy defeat.

But Coughlan is confident the Shrimpers will react strongly against Plymouth on Saturday.

“We’ve got a bloody nose at the moment after Rotherham beat us up there but the players have been different class in training,” said the Irishman.

“I’m sure we’re going to react in the right way.”

Saturday’s game will also see Coughlan facing one of his former sides for the third league game in succession.

But he admits his fondness for Plymouth will count for little this weekend.

“I had a great time with Plymouth in my career and have great memories from being there but it counts for nothing on Saturday,” added Coughlan.

“It’s the first game I looked for but sentiment will go out the window when we play them.”