Oporto Sports is delighted to announce that we will be representing Southend United head coach, Kevin Maher.
Kevin has managed over 225 games at Roots Hall, is closing in on his 100th victory in the dugout as Southend boss with an impressive win rate of over 43%, and has kept the club in contention for promotion, as well as reaching the FA Trophy semi-finals, away to Southport on 28 March.
He took charge of The Shrimpers in October 2021, his first permanent role as a head coach, and during a period of great financial uncertainty, initially stabilised the club in mid-table in the National League, before three consecutive top-half finishes, the last of which saw him lead his side out at Wembley for the 2025 play-off final, losing 3-2 to Oldham Athletic after extra time.
During a successful playing career, Kevin made nearly 600 appearances, with over 450 of them for Southend, where he was captain for back-to-back promotions in 2005 and 2006, leading the club from League Two to the Championship. In both of those seasons, he was also named in the respective PFA Team of the Year. In 2001 and 2007 he won the club’s Player of the Season award, and in 2004 and 2005, he was an EFL Trophy runner-up.
Maher also earned international honours as a player, representing the Republic of Ireland at both U17s and U21s level.
Speaking about the announcement, Oporto director Dean Eldredge, said: “Kevin is a well-respected manager within the game, who has delivered a remarkable overhaul of Southend United’s fortunes; leading the club through the turmoil of transfer embargoes and the threat of liquidation, to being a force to be reckoned with at the top end of the National League, competing against clubs with great financial power.
“Kevin is a winner and a leader, who has operated with great care and humility for a club that clearly means a huge deal to him. I know from speaking with him, that he is desperate to deliver success for the people and the community, and he will do everything he can to achieve this.
“We look forward to supporting Kevin on his coaching and managerial journey, and we are proud to be representing him for this exciting period in his career.”
Kevin’s impact for Southend United has been recognised in recent years, through the award of the Freedom of the City in 2024 and a testimonial year through 2025, underlining what he means to the club and the people of the area.
For any enquiries for Kevin Maher, please email dean@oportosports.com
