Kevin Maher 'devastated' by Southend Utd sacking
Players and staff also cannot believe the decision, according to a former Blues midfielder.
Kevin Maher was sacked by Southend United on Tuesday [Getty Images] Kevin Maher has been left "absolutely devastated" by his sacking from Southend United, the BBC understands. The club legend was relieved of his duties within 48 hours of leading the Shrimpers to FA Trophy glory on Sunday, defeating Wealdstone on penalties. Players and staff also "couldn't quite believe" the decision, according to former Blues midfielder Glenn Pennyfather.
Pennyfather, who played more than 250 games for Southend, said of Maher: "He'll be angry, he'll be disappointed, he'll be sad. " Those in attendance at the club's awards evening on Monday were said to have been shocked by news Maher was about to be sacked, along with coaching staff Darren Currie and Mark Bentley. Pennyfather, who hosted the event, said: "It was palpable the togetherness.
The love that was pouring out at the time for Kevin was quite incredible. "The people there couldn't quite believe the fact that Kevin's job was even getting talked about, let alone being on the line at a board meeting the next day. " Kevin Maher led Southend to their first domestic trophy at Wembley on Sunday [Getty Images] Maher was Southend's record appearance holder as a player after a 10-year spell at the club and went on to attain the same title in the dugout.
Southend finished sixth in the National League - losing in the play-offs to Scunthorpe United - and the club said his departure followed a review of the season. The BBC understands there had been tension behind the scenes after a director of football, Oliver Gage, was appointed in April. Pennyfather said it appeared Maher and Gage were not aligned and "the writing was on the wall" as a result.