Full Breakdown
Southend United Parts Ways with Manager Kevin Maher After FA Trophy Triumph
5/21/2026, 12:04:32 AM
Dismissal Follows Historic Cup Victory
On 19 May 2026 Southend United announced that manager Kevin Maher, assistant Darren Currie and first-team coach Mark Bentley would leave the club. The decision came two days after the Shrimpers won the FA Trophy on penalties against Wealdstone – the club’s first domestic cup in its 120-year history.
Background: Ownership Change and Stabilisation
The Custodians of Southend United (COSU) took over in early 2024, ending the Ron Martin era and addressing unpaid wages and a transfer embargo. Takeover stabilised the club and enabled improved results.
Key Figures
Kevin Maher, a former player with 454 appearances, became head coach in October 2021. Darren Currie served as assistant head coach and Mark Bentley as first-team coach. Oliver Gage was appointed director of football in April 2026.
Season Performance
Southend finished sixth in the National League with 81 points, lost 1-0 to Scunthorpe United in playoff eliminator and secured the FA Trophy on penalties. The season also featured back-to-back top-seven finishes and a second Wembley appearance since the COSU takeover.
Official Statements & Responses
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.” It added that Maher “played an important role… stabilising the football club, delivering back-to-back top-seven finishes, taking us to Wembley on two occasions, and delivering our first domestic cup triumph.”
Criticism & Opposition
Echo senior journalist Chris Phillips highlighted a “diminishing relationship” between Maher and senior management and questioned whether the new football-department structure justified the dismissal, stating “if you are basing this solely on football, then no I do not agree.” Fan comments on social media were mixed, with some praising Maher’s legacy and others seeing the change as a risk.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can’t salute the fans enough, who turned out huge numbers, but the players as well, you know, I thought they’re outstanding.” — Kevin Maher
- “Without him, I genuinely do not think the Shrimpers would still be in existence.” — Chris Phillips, Echo senior journalist
What’s Next
A board meeting on 20 May 2026 will oversee the recruitment process. The club plans to appoint a new head coach and finalize the director of football and head of recruitment before the 2026-27 National League season.
