KEVIN Bond is relishing his return to football management with Southend United.

Bond is best known for working as an assistant alongside former Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp.

But Bond is now enjoying being the main man himself.

“I’ve been assistant for many years and I loved every minute of it but you’re really reinforcing somebody else’s ideas,” said Bond.

“It’s nice to be given the opportunity to take up the role and try to put the things you believe in in place.

“It’s a good club and I’ve been very impressed by the owner and the players. They’ve been great and they recognise the situation we’re in so I’m thoroughly looking forward to it.

“I’ve had a couple of spells being a manager here and abroad and I’m excited to be doing it again.”

Bond took charge of Blues at the start of the week following the departure of Chris Powell. But he arrives at Roots Hall with the Shrimpers struggling to stay in League One.

Southend have gone 12 games without a win and Bond is fully aware of the difficulties he is facing.

“We have no momentum and momentum is huge in football,” said Bond.

“I’ve looked at previous performances and the team have been bang in the games but the first goal is huge.

“If you don’t get it then you can almost see the confidence draining from the players. There’s a resignation of here we go again but we have to make sure no-one works harder than us and show our supporters we’re never beaten.

“If you have that mentality then good things happen and you get the results.”

The Shrimpers are currently 20th in the League One standings and sit just above the relegation zone on goal difference heading into Saturday’s clash at Fleetwood Town.