Southend United boss Kevin Maher says "we are there to win" ahead of FA Trophy final at Wembley
He said "the fans deserve success" as he leads the team to another trophy challenge
Southend United manager Kevin Maher has said that "the fans deserve success" ahead of their FA Trophy final today.
22,000 Shrimpers fans will be heading to Wembley for the match against Wealdstone, that kicks off at 16:30.
Southend beat Wealdstone 1-0 late in the National League season, yet the club North West of London knocked out Southend from the FA cup first round.
In a press conference this week, Manager Kevin Maher said the team are "there to win" and he is excited for the game.
"As a player I managed to lead the club out in cup finals and playoffs, so to do it now as a manager again is something I'm delighted about and I'm really proud and honoured that I get to do that."
"We're not there to enjoy the occasion, we are there to win."
He said the fans would impact the team in a positive way and said the level of support shows the club is moving in the right direction.
"Our fans that we bring, over 20,000, 22,000, they'll enjoy the experience, but they are there to cheer their team on and there'll be no doubt that it'll be a positive effect on the players.
"I think whoever we play we want to win. That's our aim."
Club captain Nathan Ralph also said that it is a "proud" moment for him to play again at Wembley. He said that the large number of fans will provide a big motivation for the players.
"As a player, Wembley isn't something that comes around often, if at all really."
"It's never a surprise that we bring numbers like that, you know especially when it is at Wembley and stuff. They've always supported us in huge numbers all season and they'll do it again I'm sure on Sunday."
He said the fans are crucial to helping the team to perform.
"It's huge. I think especially in a game like Wembley it can be quite energy zapping, with such a big occasion and stuff. So, when you've got the fans behind you and they're coming in their noise and their numbers it can give you a lot of energy on the pitch and that is something I think we could really, really need on Sunday."