SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher insists Tuesday’s match with Dover Athletic matters far more than his own Roots Hall homecoming.

Maher, who made 454 appearances as a player for the club, will boss Blues for the first time at home tomorrow evening.

But the 44-year-old is firmly focused on picking up the three points against rock-bottom Dover.

“It will be a massive honour for me on Tuesday but I have to put that to one side because we need to perform and we have to start picking up points,” said Maher.

“Of course I’m delighted to be back but the bigger issue is winning matches and getting some forward momentum for the team.”

Blues have been beaten in Maher’s first two matches in charge and sit 21st in the National League standings.

But Maher is confident the Shrimpers are still moving in the right direction.

“There’s been improvement since we first came in but we want to improve again on Tuesday night,” said Maher.

“There will be ups and downs but we want to keep on getting better and keep pushing.”

A point against Dover would see Blues move out of the relegation zone.

But Maher is keen for his side to start posing more problems in the final third.

“There are areas we want to improve and we want to create more chances going forward,” said Maher.

“That’s the next step in the progression and it’s about putting it all together.

“We’ve had two tough away games but now we’re back in front of our fans and hopefully we can give them plenty to cheer.”

Dover have yet to win so far this season and remain on minus nine points after being punished for not fulfilling their fixtures during the previous campaign.

And Maher wants to see Blues take charge of the contest.

“Being at home we want to be on the front foot,” said Maher.

“We know it will be a tough game but it’s one we look forward to and hopefully the players can go and express themselves in front of our crowd.”