SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher wants to end a week of landmarks with a win at Rochdale tomorrow.

The Shrimpers boss, who turned 48 yesterday, will take charge of the team for the 150th time this weekend while also celebrating his third anniversary of becoming the club’s head coach.

And Maher is eager to build on the progress which has already been made during his time in charge.

“ There are ups and down along the way but we’ve had so many proud moments and I’m so proud to be manager of this football club,” said Maher.

“It feels like we’re starting again with the new owners.

“COSU (custodians of Southend United) are there trying to take it forward and set up a club for the future.

“We’re starting with the building blocks of what we’ve got to do because so much has gone on we’ve got to get it right.

“When it turns eventually we’ll be a force to be reckoned with and it will be hard to stop us.”

But Maher admits it is difficult to reflect on his Roots Hall reign at this stage.

“It’s been three years but it’s hard to look at what’s gone on here,” said Maher.

“I know I looked a lot younger three years ago but it’s hard to put into words what’s happened and what’s gone on.

“This season everyone probably expected us to be up there straight away but it’s not always the case.

“There’s so much to be done.

"The biggest challenge is rebuilding a football club and that comes from through getting things right on the pitch first and foremost.

"COSU will help to get it right everywhere else around the football club but if you look at six months ago to where we are now I think you have to take so many positives from it.

"I know once we get it right it will go."

Blues currently sit 17th in the National League standings.

But Maher is determined to build on last weekend’s 1-0 win at Eastleigh in the FA Cup.

“It was obviously important to win first and foremost,” said Maher.

“To do it late on like that should give you good confidence too.

“I’m pleased with that and we looked a little bit like our old selves too.

“ It’s always tough going away from home in the FA Cup and to come away with the win like we did was really pleasing.

“But we want to go and build on that now with another good result this weekend.”

However, Rochdale head into the game in fifth place.

And Maher knows they will be tough to beat.

"Rochdale have started ever so well," said Maher.

"They're a really good, footballing side and cause a lot of teams problems.

"They're really fluid in how they play and they've improved since last season.

"Jim (McNulty) has done a brilliant job there and we know how tough it will be.

"Anyone who has gone there this year has found that out too."