SOUTHEND United chairman Justin Rees is keen for the club to celebrate Kevin Maher’s impact on the Shrimpers this evening.
Maher’s testimonial takes place at Roots Hall tonight.
And Rees stressed the match was fully deserved for Blues’ head coach.
“Tonight is a celebration of a man who has played a huge role in the story of Southend United—first as a player and now as a coach,” said Maher.
“Across three spells and more than 20 years, Kevin has given more to this club than most will ever fully know.
"In a sport where change is constant and continuity increasingly uncommon, Kevin has been a steady hand and a reassuring presence through some of the most turbulent chapters in the club’s history.”
Maher guided Blues through a turbulent period before making the play-offs this season.
And Rees has been impressed by Maher’s battling qualities.
“There are plenty of ways to judge someone’s contribution in football — games played, points won, trophies lifted,” said Rees.
“But there are other qualities that matter just as much: resilience, loyalty, and the courage to stand up and be counted when needed most.
“Kevin has shown all of these.
“He’s been part of big successes as a player, but also stepped up in the darkest days as a head coach, shouldered immense pressure, and led with integrity.
“For that, we are sure all Southend fans will be forever grateful.”
Maher spent 10 years as a player for the Shrimpers before returning as under 23 coach and then as head coach.
And Rees knows the 48-year-old reflects the true values of the club and the community.
“Football will always be a game of opinions, and no two fans will ever see everything the same way,” said Rees.
“But one thing supporters of all generations can agree on is that they want people in the dugout and on the pitch who reflect their values.
“People who understand what the club means to its town, people who want to do right by the badge, and who care deeply for the community they represent.
“Kevin has always been one of those people for Southend United Football Club.”
And that makes Rees happy to have Maher in charge.
“As custodians of the club today, we’re delighted to be working alongside Kevin as we collectively try to guide the club to a bright future,” said Maher.
“We hope tonight is a fitting celebration of someone who has given so much of himself to this club, and that he and his family feel the love and respect of the Southend faithful who have watched Kevin grow from a composed midfield general into a respected coach and leader.
“On behalf of everyone at COSU, we congratulate Kevin on his testimonial and thank him for his outstanding service to Southend United Football Club.
“Enjoy your evening, Kev—you’ve earned it.”
Maher’s testimonial takes place at Roots Hall tonight.
And Rees stressed the match was fully deserved for Blues’ head coach.
“Tonight is a celebration of a man who has played a huge role in the story of Southend United—first as a player and now as a coach,” said Maher.
“Across three spells and more than 20 years, Kevin has given more to this club than most will ever fully know.
"In a sport where change is constant and continuity increasingly uncommon, Kevin has been a steady hand and a reassuring presence through some of the most turbulent chapters in the club’s history.”
Maher guided Blues through a turbulent period before making the play-offs this season.
And Rees has been impressed by Maher’s battling qualities.
“There are plenty of ways to judge someone’s contribution in football — games played, points won, trophies lifted,” said Rees.
“But there are other qualities that matter just as much: resilience, loyalty, and the courage to stand up and be counted when needed most.
“Kevin has shown all of these.
“He’s been part of big successes as a player, but also stepped up in the darkest days as a head coach, shouldered immense pressure, and led with integrity.
“For that, we are sure all Southend fans will be forever grateful.”
Maher spent 10 years as a player for the Shrimpers before returning as under 23 coach and then as head coach.
And Rees knows the 48-year-old reflects the true values of the club and the community.
“Football will always be a game of opinions, and no two fans will ever see everything the same way,” said Rees.
“But one thing supporters of all generations can agree on is that they want people in the dugout and on the pitch who reflect their values.
“People who understand what the club means to its town, people who want to do right by the badge, and who care deeply for the community they represent.
“Kevin has always been one of those people for Southend United Football Club.”
And that makes Rees happy to have Maher in charge.
“As custodians of the club today, we’re delighted to be working alongside Kevin as we collectively try to guide the club to a bright future,” said Maher.
“We hope tonight is a fitting celebration of someone who has given so much of himself to this club, and that he and his family feel the love and respect of the Southend faithful who have watched Kevin grow from a composed midfield general into a respected coach and leader.
“On behalf of everyone at COSU, we congratulate Kevin on his testimonial and thank him for his outstanding service to Southend United Football Club.
“Enjoy your evening, Kev—you’ve earned it.”
