Influential Southend United midfielder Kevin Maher has promised to make a final decision on his Roots Hall future today.

Blues have offered the 25-year-old, who is free to leave the Shrimpers on a free transfer this summer, an improved two-year contract.

And Maher, who could double his wages by jumping ship to Southend's Third Division rivals Leyton Orient, said he was close to making his mind up.

"I will definitely give the manager a final answer today," he said. "Southend have been positive towards me and I am happy with the deal they have offered.

"But I need to make sure I'm 100 per cent certain in my mind before signing everything. And that decision will be made today."

The Irishman, who lives in Ilford, rejected the original 12 month contract extension offered last month.

Blues boss Rob Newman was hoping to tie up a deal with Maher yesterday, but he agreed to give the former Spurs trainee another 24-hours thinking time.

"I gave Kevin another day to make his mind up, but he won't get any more time," said Newman, who has finalised a new one-year deal with defender Leon Cort.

"We've done everything we can at our end now and I need a final yes or a no today.

"I hope that Kevin will agree to commit himself to what I believe is a good offer to stay with Southend."

Published Tuesday, March 26, 2002