Humes stepped up from his role as academy boss to take charge of the League One side after Joe Dunne departed by mutual consent on Monday.
The 48-year-old former Ipswich Town and Wrexham defender has never been employed in a managerial role, but has been charged with the task of guiding the Essex club up the table after a dismal start to the season.
He said: "We need to keep them in the right frame of mind to go and perform on Saturday.
"It's a case of building the confidence and the belief of the players - they are good players and their performances are good.
"It's still early in the season. There's only been one point on the board but I think the performances have warranted more than that.
"On the positive side, at least the team is playing to a decent standard."
Darren Ferguson's side were knocked out of the Football League Trophy by Leyton Orient in midweek, but returning to the Championship will be their priority this season.
Bradford City host Yeovil Town, Bristol City entertain Scunthorpe United and Rochdale travel to Crawley Town in the other games to be played on Saturday, while Coventry City and Gillingham lock horns on Friday.
