SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Bond wants tomorrow’s game against Blackpool to set the tone for the Shrimpers at Roots Hall this season.

Blues suffered a club record 13 home defeats last term, more than any other team in the League One.

But Bond is desperate to avoid a repeat this time around and is keen to get the Shrimpers fans right behind his side.

Bond said: “The onus is on us because you can’t take the support your supporters give you for granted.

“The onus is on us to lift them and in return they can make Roots Hall an intense atmosphere which is what I want and what I’m looking for.

“You can’t expect fans to come along and cheer like mad. You have to give them something to cheer and we remind the players of that.

“It’s our obligation to excite and entertain and it goes without saying we have to get points at home, like we did at the end of last season.”

Bond won two of his three home games in charge of the Shrimpers at the end of last season.

Blues beat Burton Albion 3-2 in an exciting encounter before making sure of their League One status with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Sunderland on the final day of the campaign.

However, Bond did suffer a defeat in his first home match in charge of the Shrimpers as his side were beaten 2-0 by Wycombe Wanderers back in April before turning things around.

Southend will now look to build on that improved form after also beating Championship club Millwall at Roots Hall in pre-season.