Southend sack boss Maher two days after Wembley win

Southend sack boss Maher two days after Wembley winImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kevin Maher led Southend to their first domestic trophy at Wembley on SundayByRoss McGinnesBBC SportPublished3 minutes agoCommentsSouthend United have sacked manager Kevin Maher two days after the club's historic FA Trophy win at Wembley.The 49-year-old, who was appointed boss in 2021 and had a 10-year spell with them as a player, led the Shrimpers to victory over Wealdstone in a penalty shootout on Sunday, clinching their first domestic trophy.But Southend finished sixth in the National League this season - losing in the play-offs to Scunthorpe United - and on Tuesday the club announced Maher, along with coaching staff Darren Currie and Mark Bentley, would depart following a review of the 2025-26 campaign."The board has decided this is the right moment to start the next chapter in Southend United's journey and a comprehensive search to find a new head coach is underway," said Southend in a statement., external"Kevin and his staff have played a hugely important role during a significant period in the club's history. Since the COSU [Custodians of Southend United] takeover, they have helped stabilise the football club, delivered back-to-back top-seven finishes, taken us to Wembley on two occasions, and on Sunday, delivered our first domestic cup triumph."Kevin was involved in more games as both a player and head coach than anyone in our 120-year history and departs with his status as a club legend firmly cemented."Everyone at Southend United thanks Kevin, Darren and Mark for their commitment to the club and the wider community and wishes them every success in the future."Maher, who made 454 appearances for Southend between 1998 and 2008, told BBC Radio Essex after Sunday's Wembley success: "I'm so proud of the players and the fans who turned out in their numbers."It's the first domestic cup the club has ever...