SOUTHEND United’s Lewis Gard spent years trying to please Kevin Maher but this weekend he will be looking to make him angry.

Maher swapped his under-23 role at Roots Hall to become first team coach at Bristol Rovers at the start of the season.

But Maher’s legacy still lives on at Blues and Gard believes he may not have progressed into the first team without the help of his former coach.

“In my first year of playing in the under-23s, Kev helped me a lot,” said Gard.

“He changed the way I played and dropped me deeper in midfield than what I’d been used to.

“It changed my game and the way I play and I think that helped me get my chance in the first team in the first place.

“To be honest, it will feel strange Kev being involved with an opposing side but I spoke to him after the under-23 game on Tuesday and we had a laugh about it all.”

Gard has also been full of smiles since making his long-awaited return to action in fine style on Saturday.

The youngster had spent 16 months on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury before scoring on his first game back against Oxford United.

And Gard cannot wait to line-up against Rovers at Roots Hall this weekend.

“I’ve wanted this week to just fly by, to be honest,” said Gard.

“As soon as Monday came by I just wanted to get out there and play again so I can’t wait for the game, especially as it’s at home.

“I’ve only played one game at Roots Hall and that was against Cambridge in the cup last season when I came on as sub. I’ve never played a League game there and the feeling of a Saturday game is always better I think.

“I can’t wait for tomorrow because it’s always better to be playing at home.”

However, Blues go into the game on the back of six straight successive defeats.

And Gard expects Rovers to try and get on top early on.

“I’m expecting them to put us under a lot of pressure and get in our faces early doors because we’re a young side,” said Gard.

“But I think we can deal with it.”

Rovers have also been out of form in recent weeks and have triumphed just once in 2020.

And Gard is feeling fit enough to try and add to their troubles.

“Fitness-wise, I’m feeling ready to go again,” said Gard.

“I won’t lie, I was very tired after the game and the next day as well. But since coming back in on Monday I’ve worked on just preparing for the weekend and training as usual.”