Maher reaches milestone for Shrimpers

Kevin Maher is hoping to lead Southend back into the English Football League

Southend United boss Kevin Maher says he and his staff have done an "unbelievable job" for the club as he prepares for his 200th game in charge.

The former Shrimpers midfielder was appointed as head coach in October 2021 and has had to contend with a range of issues, including threats to the club's future because of financial problems and transfer embargoes.

But, following a takeover in the summer of 2024, he guided them to last season's National League play-off final - where they lost a thriller to Oldham - and they are currently seventh in the table.

"Walking in you could feel the apprehension and everything around the place," Maher told BBC Essex Sport. "It was important we came in and put a smile on everyone's face.

"It's easy for people to knock you when you are down but I think we've done an unbelievable job since walking into this football club.

"I don't think you ever envisage it being quite the journey, with the ups and downs we've had. We should have been in the play-offs (in 2023-24) were it not for a 10-point deduction and we got to within 10 minutes of getting out of the league (last season).

"Everyone at the club should be proud of what's gone on during my period here. We will take credit for that but we want to improve all the time."

Maher, who played more than 450 games for Southend during his playing career, will reach his latest milestone against Scunthorpe United at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And they are looking to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat at Eastleigh in their last game on Tuesday.

"To get to 200 under the circumstances we've had since we came to the club, I'm delighted of course," he said.

"So much water has gone under the bridge during that time. It's not lost on me, the work that everyone's done, even though you're the manager and at the forefront of it, it doesn't happen without backroom staff.

"The change with the (new) ownership coming in, things are looking good all around the club. There's going to be ups and downs, but we've always responded and we're looking forward to a bright future."