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Southend manager demands answers on club’s future before planning ahead of 2023/24 season

Southend United manager Kevin Maher demands answers on the club’s future before he looks to planning ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The Shrimpers have finished the campaign sitting 8th, with 69 points from 46 games played, just missing out on the playoffs by two points.

The 46-year-old manager wants to know more before he can make any changes to his team in the summer.

Southend was put up for sale after a petition to wind up the company in March was dismissed. However, staff has not received pay for the last two months.

Maher said he was happy with the performance of the team despite the many challenges they faced.

SEE MORE: Significant news emerges as Southend United hold press conference with chairman Ron Martin

“We need to act quickly if we’re going to take this on,” Maher told BBC Essex.

“We’re in a great position as a football department to take it forward and be up at the top end of the table next season.

“That’s got to happen quickly, it’s a big period coming up now. I know what I need to do, and what we need to do as a staff, but we need clarity on what’s happening.”

Questioned if he was anywhere near getting any kind of clarity, Maher answered: “No.”

“We could have quite easily ended up like [relegated] Scunthorpe and Yeovil and Torquay [given what’s happened off the pitch], and that’s testament to the people who came in the building 18 months ago and the work that’s gone on behind the scenes in terms of recruitment,” Maher added.

“To get eight and a half thousand in Roots Hall, that’s what I’ve had here in the Championship and to do that in National League is unbelievable.”

He added: “I work with the players on a day in, day out basis and I know what they’re capable of. We need a little help at the right time, which we didn’t get, and that’s probably why we’ve come up short.”

Maher said via the club website: “We knew it was out of our hands. We did what we needed to do, which was win the game, so I’m delighted with the players and with the result today and how everyone’s gone about their business.

“One thing you can never question with this group of players is the character. They’ve had to deal with a lot, so to do what they did today is a testament to them. I thought we played well.

“In the first half they’ve scored from a breakaway after we perhaps could’ve taken the lead and we could’ve been two or three up before they got that goal. Once we did get that first goal, we were the team on top and it felt like they were fading a bit.

“To have 8,500 in Roots Hall reminds me of days I’ve had here in League One and the Championship, and to do that in the National League is unbelievable. Days like today are why you do it.

“I work with the players on a day-to-day basis, so I know what they’re capable of. We’ve come up just short. I felt there was a time in the season where we could’ve made it, but unfortunately that hasn’t happened.

“You can talk about the seven games we lost but that’s off the back of a period where we were winning games that we perhaps shouldn’t have been winning.

“The fans get on board with a group of players that go to end, but we need to act quickly if we’re going to take this on. I think we’re in a great position as a football department to be up the top end of the table next year but that’s got to happen quickly and it’s a big period coming up now.”

Fans reacted as Southend manager Kevin Maher demands answers on his club’s future before planning ahead of the 2023/24 season…

@ShrimpersTalk: The biggest helping hand that @kevlaa7 @benno_1978 and @rubycurrie could get is Ron doing one and a new owner coming in who support the best management trio in football

@ShaunMalone1997: This club is united and has potential to do some incredible things under proper ownership now the football structure is in place. Let’s hope for a successful summer in that regard and then we go again 💪🤞💙

@benhumphrey_04: The building blocks are there to take this club back to where we belong. Thanks for your outstanding efforts under such difficult circumstances this season, roll on 2023/24 💙💪

@SmiffySUFC: No, Thank You Kev. Thank You for assembling a team that cares and that connects with the fans. It’s been missing for years. My one wish now is that rat at the top sells up quickly and new owners provide you with the tools you need to bring success back to this great club. 👑 🦐

@woodstockcatman: What you, @rubycurrie & @benno_1978 have achieved this season at @SUFCRootsHall is nothing short of remarkable. With all you’ve have had to contend with off the pitch & then almost lead Blues into the play-offs with all that’s gone on 🤔 I truly salute you all 🙏👏🌞#Amazing

@searleslaura2: Kev can’t plan anything RM has made sure of that

@NickLapwood: Couldn’t be more proud of Maher & co 👊🦐

@reevezy21: Good results but unlucky for not getting that last play off spot boys. Some games we should of won in the season might of cost us but what @kevlaa7 and his staff and the players have done this season has been amazing we go again next season and get that play off spot

@m_sexton97: Ended the season with a W & on a high. Need to forget this season. Get rid of Ron & go again next season!

@shrimperjon: Kev, on behalf of the fans thank you in return. Never been prouder of a squad of players & management as we have this season. What we so nearly achieved is a miracle under the circumstances you had to work under. Must hope a new owner is found quickly & we can move forward 🙏🦐

 

@stujthornton: I’m critical of the football approach and setup. But everyone has an opinion. Most importantly what you and the team have achieved in terms of motivation and managing the turbulence surrounding the club. Incredible.

@CC_2201: After almost 30 years following this club I’d really started to disconnect due to our disgraceful owner and his antics…. But you and this great team have given us a reason to be proud to be shrimpers again. Thank you 💙⚽️🦐

@SUFCGoals: Thank you for making us proud to support Southend United again. Legend forever.

@callumt84626973: Thank you Kev you have made us proud of what you have built and for all your hard work each and every week is a credit to you and all the players /other coaches during tough circumstances . Fingers cross for a positive outcome sooner rather than later enjoy the break 🦐

@Jones616Kevin: It’s us fans who should be thanking you for restoring pride to our club. Let’s hope you are given the tools you need to take us further onwards next season. Thank you Legend

@Matt_Inne5: Thank you for bringing hope back to this great club, and in the immortal words of the great philosopher @iamtomskinner ‘tough times never last but tough people do’ so as long as you feel you can stay with all you have to manage, we’ll all be right behind you 🙏🏻🙌🏻

@jsapwell: No Kev, thank you. And your team, your staff, and the wider club staff too. I’m proud to support this team and I wish you a good break and better assistance from above next season.

@samgoody23: Have a great summer Kev, no less than you deserve. Thanks for all your hard work this season

@GmanGrout: Outstanding achievement 👏👏👏 lets hope we can build for next season 🙏

@Kaylalula: It’s us who should be thanking you, @rubycurrie and @benno_1978. You’ve given us our pride back and collected together a group of players with whom we’ve connected and who always give of their best. Enjoy your break when it comes and let’s hope for calmer waters going forward.

@BNEShrimper: I’m biased… and of course Wrexham and Notts County have been outstanding this season…but all things considered with this situation he’s worked with, at least a consideration for National League manager of the year.

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