Southend United manager David Webb has revealed that he wants to reward Shrimpers midfielder Kevin Maher with a brand new contract.

The 24-year-old has been outstanding for Blues this season in the centre of the park and Webb indicated that he sees the former Spurs youngster as part of his long-term plans.

Maher's contract runs out at the end of this campaign and he would be old enough to leave Roots Hall on a free transfer under the Bosman Ruling - something Webb is determined to prevent happening.

"I spoke to Kevin the other day about his situation at the club," said the Seasiders' chief. "I told him that when I start sorting out the players' contracts he will be first in the queue for a new deal.

"Kevin has been one of the biggest pluses since I returned to Southend. He has been consistently outstanding and has been doing the work of two or three players in our midfield at times.

"I've told Kevin that we will speak again and I hope that he sees his future as being a Southend United player because I want him to stay with us."

Maher, who needed four stitches in a mouth wound following another fine display in the 1-0 defeat against Orient on Boxing Day, has made 96 appearances, scoring six goals, following a free transfer move from White Hart Lane nearly three-years ago.

After showing tremendous character to battle his way back into the Southend supporters' good books, following a nightmare spell when he was public enemy number one for the terrace boo-boys, Maher has matured into Blues' most complete midfielder.

And Webb will be pleased to know that the intelligent ball player wants to commit himself to the Shrimpers again as soon as possible. "I love playing for Southend and I'd like to sign a better, longer term contract here," Maher confirmed.

"I didn't get any more money when I signed a new one-year contract over the summer, even though I'm a long way off being one of the best paid players at the club, because things were tight at Roots Hall financially.

"I've had some hard times at Southend, but things are going well for me now and I'm enjoying my football at Roots Hall. This season has been a lot better and some of the crowds we've been getting have been phenomenal.

"We had nearly 10,000 supporters at the Leyton Orient game which highlights the huge potential of this club and I want to be part of a future which I think is going to be a good one.

"Ever since I joined Blues the club has been on a downward spiral, but I'm sure the manager is going to turn things around here and I want to play my part in the revival and play for Southend at a higher level."

Complete midfielder - Kevin Maher

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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