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Kevin Maher writes open letter to Southend fans after being left ‘devastated’ by sacking

Kevin Maher writes an open letter to Southend fans after being left ‘devastated’ by the sacking, just days after the FA Trophy final win.

Who will take over at Roots Hall? Chris Phillips and Pete O’Rourke reported that South Shields’ Ian Watson were a contender.

But replying to O’Rourke’s tweet, the South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson said: “Nothing to worry about. All a load of nonsense.”

That was on the 30th of May, but a further update by Phillips on the 2nd of May claims Ian Watson IS on four man shortlist for Southend.

In South Shields’ statement announcing the completion of a majority stake acquisition by an international consortium, they say that Ian Watson will serve as First Team Manager, and the new ownership group offers its full support to the football leadership team.

Talking to Shields Gazette last week, Watson said: “We have had meetings all week with players and obviously we have a squad of players there that is really strong. We are just looking to add top players to the group and we are speaking to three or four of them and we will be looking to hopefully get something over the line in the next couple of weeks.

“We aren’t looking for loads because we have a strong team there. I think we need that depth because I feel that’s where we maybe fell a little short last year and we have to get players in the squad that can improve the game or change the game whether they start or come off the bench. We want competition in every single position and that’s where I want it to be. We aren’t just looking for numbers, our recruitment is being done with a fine-toothed comb and we are looking for the very best we can.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Maher has written an open letter to Southend supporters, which read, as published through Southend Echo:

To all Southend United supporters, staff, volunteers, players, sponsors and everyone connected with this special football club.

As I sit down to write this, it is difficult to find the right words to fully express my gratitude for everything you have given me and my family during my time at Southend United.

Football is often measured in results, league tables and statistics.

But those things only tell part of the story.

What makes a football club truly special is the people and Southend United is blessed with some of the most passionate, loyal and resilient people I have ever had the privilege of working alongside.

To our supporters, thank you.

Thank you for your unwavering backing through every high and low.

Thank you for filling Roots Hall with noise, belief and pride.

Thank you for travelling the length and breadth of the country to support the team.

Most of all, thank you for standing by the club during some of the most challenging periods in its history.

Your loyalty never wavered.

Even when circumstances tested everyone connected with Southend United you continued to show up, continued to believe and continued to fight for the badge.

That spirit inspired me every single day.

To the players I have worked with, thank you for your commitment, professionalism and determination.

You represented this football club with pride and gave everything for one another.

The dressing room has always been built on togetherness and it has been an honour to work with such a dedicated group.

To my coaching staff and colleagues, thank you for your hard work, support and friendship.

So much of what happens behind the scenes goes unseen but the sacrifices made by staff across every department are what keep a football club moving forward.

To my family, thank you for your patience and undivided support at all times.

To the volunteers, academy staff, community teams, sponsors and countless individuals who give their time and energy to Southend United, thank you

Your contribution to this club extends far beyond football.

You help make Southend United a genuine community institution and a source of pride for the town.

Southend United is a football club with a proud history, a passionate fanbase and a bright future.

While there have been obstacles along the way I have never doubted the strength and character that exists within this club.

Time and again, people have come together when it mattered most.

That is what I will remember above all else.

It has been a privilege to serve this football club.

Wearing the badge, representing the supporters and being part of the Southend United story is something I will always cherish – along with us all winning together at Wembley as the club won a national cup final for the first time in its 120 year history.

Whatever the future holds, I will always look back on my time here with immense pride and gratitude.

Thank you for your support, your belief and your trust.

Southend United will always hold a special place in my heart.

Up the Blues!

Kevin Maher.

Southend chairman issues update on club’s progress, restructure, leadership and more

Fans react as Kevin Maher’s time at Southend comes to an end after winning FA Trophy final

Here’s how fans reacted on the search for the new manager, and after Kevin Maher writes an open letter to Southend fans having being left ‘devastated’ by the sacking…

@andy_walden: The manager of South Shields taking over isn’t going to get the juices flowing. The club needs to be very honest about what’s really happening here. If the financial situation is so dire that we’re having to cut back on near enough everything then come out and say it because a sixth tier manager who didn’t achieve promotion isn’t a step up for me.

@Jasonsnell17: I know the South Shields owner posted on X saying He’s not going anywhere at the weekend but that normally means let’s a do deal in football circles

@gxorgebxrb: whos the other 3 chris… some are disappointed at this but i think watson is decent, can bring their striker with him too

@RLedicott: Whoever gets the job, he’s got a massive job in front of him complete rebuild experience will be essential good luck to whoever gets it. He’s gonna need it. !!!!!

@Kaylalula: Class. Thank you, Kev, for everything you did during those turbulent years. Your loyalty is unquestionable. You deserved better.

@FTY1906: Yeah nice one now I’m crying. Would go to war for that man 💙

@RutlandShrimper: An all round good man and Southend Legend. We were lucky to have him, he saved the club and has given others a platform they had better not cock up!

@RLedicott: Whatever peoples opinion of Kevin Maher as manager of south end Utd no one can doubt his commitment and personal feeling for the club and in my opinion without a doubt, he is one of the main reasons why we’ve still got a football club wish him only the best for the future

@NormalNeco: Him, Daz, Benno and Tom left the club in a much better place than anyone else would have been able to, whilst I think it was the right idea to move on I’ll forever thank and respect them for the ridiculous job they did given the circumstances

@299Peter: Classy. Respectful. Modest. Hero. Legend. My Manager.

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