New contract reward for Maher - January 3, 2001
Southend midfielder Kevin Maher is to be rewarded for his form with the Third Division club with a new contract.
Manager David Webb wants Maher to be part of his long-term plans with the club so he has decided to offer him a new contract before he can leave the club on a Bosman free.
Maher's current contract expires at the end of the season, which would leave the 24-year-old former Spurs trainee free to leave - but Webb wants to prevent that.
Webb said: "I told Kevin 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 plusses 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 is happy with the news. He said: "I love playing for Southend and I'd like to sign a better, longer-term contract here.
"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.
"Ever since I joined the 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."
Maher's wholehearted commitment is appreciated less by referees than by his manager. The midfielder has already picked up a red card and eight yellows this term, earning him second place in kickin's 'Bad Boys' table!