Southend United parts ways with head coach after FA Trophy win
Kevin Maher steps down despite recent cup triumph
Southend United have announced the departure of head coach Kevin Maher, just days after securing a historic FA Trophy win at Wembley.
The 49-year-old, who took on the coaching role in 2021 and previously spent a decade with the Shrimpers as a player, led the team to a victory over Wealdstone in a penalty shootout last Sunday.
The win marked Southend's first domestic trophy.
However, despite the success, Southend finished sixth in the National League this season and faced disappointment with a play-off loss to Scunthorpe United.
Following a review of the 2025/26 campaign, the club revealed that Maher, along with coaching staff Darren Currie and Mark Bentley, would be leaving.
In a statement, the club said, "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."
The statement continued to acknowledge the contributions of Maher and his staff, highlighting their role during significant periods of the club's history:
"Since the COSU 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."