SOUTHEND United’s assistant manager Graham Coughlan is keen for the Shrimpers to cure their travel sickness at Bradford City tonight.

Blues have been heavily beaten in their last three away games, losing 4-0 at both Scunthorpe United and Northampton Town before suffering a 3-0 defeat at Rochdale.

And Coughlan is now seeking a return to winning ways on the road.

“There’s no hiding the fact we haven’t been great on the road,” said the Irishman.

“We’re looking into everything as to why that might be and no stone has been left unturned.

“But the truth is we haven’t come up with a definitive answer.

“People have mentioned mentality and this, that and the other but I don’t know why it is.

“I used to love the away games and going in to the lion’s den having people chucking abuse at you.

“It was brilliant and what football is all about.

“But we have to be better away from home and if we don’t fix it then we will be in trouble this season.

“Hopefully the improvement starts tonight as there’s no better challenge so let’s put it to them and have a real fight.”

Blues have triumphed just once in six away games so far this season while Bradford have yet to lose at home this term.

And Coughlan is fully aware of how difficult this evening’s encounter will be for the Shrimpers.

“We know all about Bradford, they’re a well known team in this division and they’re a strong solid team too,” said the 41-year-old.

“Our last trip there wasn’t a great experience, losing 2-0, and that will be fresh in our minds still.

“They’ve taken 12 points from 18 at home and they have a top manager in Stuart McCall so this will be a difficult encounter.

“But it’s one we’re looking forward to, especially on the back of Saturday where we got the win and a clean sheet to give everyone a boost.”

Blues’ 1-0 win against Chesterfield moved them up to 19th in the League One.

Bradford suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 1-0 at Oxford United but they still sit second.