SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher will go head to head with one of his former managers when Oldham Athletic visit Roots Hall on Saturday.

Latics boss John Sheridan signed Maher during a previous spell at Boundary Park back in 2008.

And Maher is looking forward to facing his ex boss this weekend.

“It will be good to see him and he’s someone I’ve spoken to throughout the years,” said Maher.

“Everytime I see him we have a chat and it will be good.

“He’s a great bloke and a very good manager who has been unbelievable for Oldham down the years.

“He’s engrained in what they do and he will make sure it’s a tough game for us too.”

Oldham, who were relegated from League Two last season, have kicked off the National League campaign with four points from their opening three games.

But Maher feels it could take the Latics - who lost 2-1 to Wealdstone on Tuesday - time to fully adjust to life in the fifth tier.

“They lost the other night and it does take time to adjust from what I’ve seen,” said Maher.

“They have had the takeover recently though and that’s boosted everyone.

“The manager knows the club inside out and in that regard I think they’re in a decent place.

“They will want to respond after Tuesday but we’ve had two decent results and want to back that up at home now.”

Blues head into the clash following draws at both Solihull Moors and Halifax Town.

But the Shrimpers have scored just once in their three games so far and Maher is keen for that to improve.

“It’s something we’ve spoken about and everyone has to contribute,” said Maher.

“Set piece wise we need to be better in terms of attacking and cause more problems.

“You can go over the ones we have in the treatment room and when they’re all fit we will have a very good front line.

“But we’ve got to manage that until they get there."

“The lads are giving everything and they’ve done well but they’ve got to go again on Saturday now.”

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>A closer look at Saturday's opponents