LEGEND MAHER IS HANDED THE KEYS TO CITY
KEVIN MAHER hailed Southend United staff, supporters and his family after being awarded Freedom of the City. The Shrimpers boss was nominated in recognition of his work at the forefront of the National League club during a tumultuous period. Boss Maher has been in charge of the Essex outfit, who he played nearly 400 times for, since 2021 as they battled a number of offfield issues, including transfer embargoes, fan protests over their owner and a tenpoint deduction. He is just the third person to be bestowed with the honour – and he was presented with the prestigious award at Southend Civic Centre. Maher said: “First of all, thank you to Mayor and the Council for this and thank you to
Anna Firth (MP) as well.
“I feel like I’ve been the lucky one to receive this honour for the football club. I may be at the forefront but without the staff, you cannot do this job, so my thanks to them, and the people at the Club who work tirelessly day in, day out. The players have shown unwavering lovalty to the football club, which is very rare nowadays, and they make my job easier, so thank you to them as well.
“Without the fans, there is no football club. When you see the numbers that turn up every week, the job we do is for them and what they represent for the city.
“Most importantly, my family. Coming home at night is the best thing in the world when they put a smile on your face. Without their support, I couldn’t do the job I do.
“With everyone’s help, we can look forward to a brighter future.”