NEW Basildon United manager Neil Blackburn hopes his players show the correct attitude when they take on Canvey Island at the Ho Ho Stadium today.

The Bees have not won in their last 11 Isthmian North matches but Blackburn is more concerned about the effort shown by the team as opposed to the result.

“To play for us they’ve got to put in 100 per cent,” said Blackburn.

“All we’re asking for is top effort and top attitude. The performances will come in time.

“I’d love to get three points but the attitude is the main thing.”

And Blackburn spoke positively about his brief time at the club so far.

“It’s going well. I know a lot of the players from before and I’ve watched a lot of Basildon’s games over the years,” added the former Laindon Orient boss.

“The players have reacted really well to the training we’ve put on. We’re in a transitional period and it’s a fresh start for everyone.

“I’ve said to the players to go out and show me and the supporters what you’re about. It’s been hard coming in just before Christmas but I’m loving every minute of it.”

Blackburn is wary of the threat that will be posed by a Canvey side he believes are currently under-achieving.

“Their league position is not a true reflection of the squad they’ve got and they have a manager who is very experienced within football,” he said.

“We know what they’re about and for us it’s about trying to counter their style of play. We are expecting a really tough game but hopefully a lot of people will come through the gate to support us.”

Basildon currently sit ninth in the standings, while Canvey are 13th but can move to within touching distance if they overcome their local rivals.

And Gulls boss Mark Bentley is expecting a testing fixture against the Bees.

“When a new manager comes in, you always get a response from the players,” said Bentley.

“We are expecting a tough game and in a way we are going into it as underdogs as they are above us in the table.

“We’re not in great form overall but our away form has been good and we’ve had two good away results, so hopefully that can continue.”