Southend boss Maher welcomes takeover completion

Kevin Maher became Southend's head coach in October 2021

Southend United boss Kevin Maher said "the hard work for everyone starts now" following the takeover of the club by a 10-member consortium.

COSU (Custodians of Southend United), led by Australian businessman Justin Rees, completed the purchase of the club on Friday, nine months after agreeing contracts with former owner Ron Martin.

Maher agreed a new long-term contract in December and now has the goal of helping the Shrimpers regain their place in the English Football League.

"It's brilliant for the fans. There's a sign above the dugout which says 'Never Give Up' and they've done that," he told BBC Essex Sport.

"For all their [COSU] hard work, everything they've done to stick with it and to back the club behind the scenes as much as they've done, I'm so delighted for them, and the supporters have now got their club where they want it".

Southend finished ninth in the National League last season, with a 10-point penalty imposed because of their financial problems costing them a play-off place.

But following the lifting of a second transfer embargo, Maher - a former Southend player - is able to sign players again.

One of them, Josh Walker, was on target from the penalty spot in a 2-0 friendly win at Bishop's Stortford on Saturday.

"For us, it's about building a football club that is sustainable and one that can sustain success for a longer period," he added.

Southend were formed in May 1906 and have twice been as high as the second tier of English football, most recently in the 2006-07 season, but were relegated from League Two three years ago.

Their former managers include England’s 1966 World Cup-winning captain, the late Bobby Moore, who was in charge for over two years during the 1980s, and former Liverpool midfielder Ronnie Whelan, who won multiple trophies during his Anfield career, including the 1984 European Cup.