Southend manager Steve Tilson believes his side will thrive under the spotlights at Roots Hall on Friday nights this season.

The Shrimpers have moved seven of their home games forward to be played on Friday nights.

The first one will take place against Millwall on August 21 before they also host Leyton Orient (September 4), Leeds (September 11), Southampton (October 9), Gillingham (October 30), MK Dons (November 20) and Charlton (February 26).

"I've always been a fan of the Friday games at Roots Hall," Tilson told the Southend Echo.

"We seem to get a better atmosphere and hopefully that can be the case again next season to help us get more good results."

The Boxing Day game at home to local rivals Colchester will now kick off at 1pm.