Kevin Maher
Oporto Sports is delighted to represent Kevin Maher.
Kevin managed over 225 games at Roots Hall, with an impressive win rate of over 43%.
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 four consecutive top-half finishes. In 2026, he delivered Southend’s first FA Trophy and first national cup, having been runners-up in the EFL Trophy on three occasions.
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, please email dean@oportosports.com
Kevin managed over 225 games at Roots Hall, with an impressive win rate of over 43%.
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 four consecutive top-half finishes. In 2026, he delivered Southend’s first FA Trophy and first national cup, having been runners-up in the EFL Trophy on three occasions.
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, please email dean@oportosports.com