SOUTHEND United boss Mark Molesley is under no illusions about what his side will be up against at the UniBol on Saturday.

The Blues, who were relegated from League One along with Wanderers last season, sit bottom of the table having triumphed just once all season.

“Bolton are a big hitter in the League,” Molesley told the Southend Echo. 

“They brought in a very good manager who did great things at Barrow.

"They’ve got some very established players and it’s going to be one of League Two’s toughest challenges going to their stadium.

“But, despite our result on Tuesday (a 1-0 defeat at home to Forest Green), there were lots of positives for us and we’re going to have to take them into this game and build on it.

“We know we have to show more in the attacking third and we’ll certainly be looking to do that.”

The Shrimpers head north buoyed by the news supporters will be back at Roots Hall next month.

With Essex being placed into tier two when lockdown finishes at the end of the month, 2,000 Blues fans will be able to attend home games beginning with Scunthorpe United’s visit on Saturday, December 12.

And Molesley cannot wait to have fans behind his team for the first time since he was appointed manager in the summer.

“It’s great news,” Molesley said.

“It’s really positive news that’s come out and I don’t think the fans can come back quickly enough really.

“We can’t wait and hopefully that news can be followed by more positive news for us with players returning and what not.

“Hopefully the two can go hand in hand and the landscape can change quite quickly.”

And Molesley is hoping the improved atmosphere can spur on his side.

“We’ve missed them and I heard great things about them,” said the Blues boss.

“It was a big part of why I wanted to come to the club because it’s so well supported.

“But we need their help, we really do.

“I think they will see how hard the boys are working and hopefully they will be sympathetic to a few of the problems we are facing this season.

“Hopefully they will see brighter times are to come and they can help to push on to those times.”