Southend United skipper Kevin Maher has pledged his allegiance to the Roots Hall club.

The 26-year-old is believed to be a summer transfer target for Third Division rivals Leyton Orient, who made an unsuccessful attempt to capture the cultured midfielder two years ago.

But the Irishman, who is the Shrimpers' longest serving player, said he had no interest in a switch to Brisbane Road.

"I'm contracted to Southend for another year and as far as I know that is where I will be playing my football next season," said Maher.

"I've heard the Orient stories are doing the rounds again, but I've had no contact from them at all.

"I'm very happy at Southend and I think everybody knows that. I've been with Blues for six years now and it gives me a lot of pride to be both the longest serving player and team captain at Roots Hall.

"All I'm thinking about now is recharging my batteries over the summer and coming back ready for the new season with Southend.

"It's an exciting time at the club with all the comings and goings around the place, and I'm looking forward to being part of what we hope will be a successful team challenging for promotion."

Maher demonstrated a high degree of loyalty rare in football these days when he snubbed Orient two years ago.

The influential Southend star was out-of-contract and could have moved to Brisbane Road on a free transfer, with a pay increase rumoured to be worth as much as an extra £500 a week in his wallet.

But ex-Shrimpers manager Rob Newman persuaded Maher to remain with Blues, with the promise of allowing him to talk to any higher division clubs who may be interested in his services.

But O's chief Paul Brush is obviously still keen. The east Londoners' manager said last week: "Kevin could do a good job for us and it is no secret that we have been keen to bring him to Orient."

Published Monday, June 9, 2003

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