GRAHAM Coughlan insists it will be business as usual for him this weekend.

The Bristol Rovers first team coach will be facing Southend United for the first time since his Shrimpers departure back in January.

But Coughlan - who spent close to eight years with Blues - will not be treating tomorrow’s game any differently.

“It will just be another ordinary game for me,” said the Irishman.

“It’s about the three points for both clubs, the 22 players on the pitch, the managers and the supporters who are the heart and soul of the club, not me.”

Coughlan was brought to Blues by Paul Sturrock back in 2010 and held a number of roles while at Roots Hall.

The 43-year-old lined up as a player before concentrating on a coaching career which saw him working with the reserves before becoming assistant manager.

And the former defender holds found memories from his spell with the Shrimpers.

“It was thoroughly enjoyable and a great education,” said Coughlan.

“It was a rollercoaster but I think it was successful, although some may choose to disagree.

“I had some tough, tough challenges, none more so than in the first year when we were trying to put an 11 on the pitch.

“I remember the Thursday before the Saturday kick-off we were still registering players and we weren’t sure who would be available.

“The amount of work that went on behind the scenes was unbelievable and we were at the training ground until 11pm to try and get players.

“But there was never a dull moment and I always say to people that although I did nearly eight years there was probably about 15 years of experience in that time!”

Coughlan was on the coaching staff when the Shrimpers won the League Two play-offs having previously led the team out for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley against Crewe Alexandra in 2013.

But he was relieved of his duties, along with manager Phil Brown back in January.

“It’s never nice being sacked and I thought I was unjustly sacked too,” said Coughlan.

“I won’t go into it but I spoke to Ron (Martin) and that will remain private.

“He’s someone I hold in high esteem and I look at the positives and I’m sure my family would say ‘thank you, Ron’ because I had neglected them for seven of the eight years I had at Southend. It hit me hard at the time. I worked hard and showed loyalty but it happened and you have to get on with it.

“It will happen to me again because that’s the game.”

But for now Coughlan is relishing his new role with the Pirates.

“It’s been great and it’s a fresh challenge I needed and was desperate for,” said Coughlan.

“The results haven’t been coming so far but they will soon.”