It's contract D-Day for Southend United midfielder Kevin Maher - and Blues are believed to be close to coming to an agreement with the 25-year-old.

Maher would be available on a free transfer in the summer and is wanted by Leyton Orient.

Maher rejected Southend's initial offer of a one-year deal at the end of last month, but the Shrimpers are thought to have handed the Irishman a two-year contract now which could swing the balance in their favour.

"I'm hoping for a final answer from Kevin today," said Blues boss Rob Newman. "We have offered him improved terms and he has been thinking them over at the weekend.

"I want to keep Kevin at Roots Hall. I think over the last few games he has shown what an important player he is for us.

"He's stepped in as captain, deputising for Phil Whelan, and has relished the opportunity to lead the team."

Newman also said left-back Damon Searle's future should finally be resolved this week. The 30-year-old Welshman has also been taking his time to consider a one-year contract offer from Blues.

And Newman added: "I expect everything to be sorted out with Damon by the end of the week.

"We are very close to coming to an agreement and hopefully everything will be resolved over the next few days."

Finallly, Newman confirmed that the four trialists who featured in last week's 2-2 reserve team draw with Luton Town would return to Roots Hall for training today.

The quartet are released Orient right-back Chris Dorrian, Millwall midfielder Rio Alderton, plus Aston Villa striker Andrew Marfell and Southampton forward Adam Wallace.

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Published Monday, March 25, 2002