Southend United have parted ways with head coach Kevin Maher following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. This decision comes just two days after the club lifted its first domestic trophy, winning on penalties against Wealdstone to lift the FA Trophy under the famed Wembley arches.

Maher holds a fantastic pedigree at Roots Hall, having steered the club through uncertain times under Ron Martin.

When first appointed in October 2021, the Essex side were staring down the barrel of the National League South after facing two consecutive relegations. The former player-turned head coach made his side a respected outfit in the fifth tier, averaging at least 1.5 points per game each season since taking the managerial hot seat.

But the job wasn’t as simple as that. Maher dealt with several off-field issues during his four years with the club, facing a ten-point deduction in the 2023-24 season as his squad was rendered slim, with many players performing for the club on minimal wages.

And then the coach’s fairy tale was nearly complete last season. Relieved of the Martin era by Justin Rees in July 2024, the Shrimpers faced heartbreak in extra time against Oldham Athletic in the play-off final, subjecting them to their fifth season in the National League – despite inspired comebacks against Rochdale and Forest Green Rovers prior.

Given his credibility at the club, the decision to dismiss has been met with controversy. Finishing sixth, Southend were miserably eliminated in the play-offs away at Scunthorpe United, and never made any serious claims to finish higher than their final position throughout the league season.

From the outside looking in, some can view Southend’s 2025-26 campaign as a sideways step. However, it can also be argued that the quality of the division was significantly higher this time around.

Maher’s dismissal was explored on the National League Lowdown’s latest episode, with various arguments surrounding the topic. This article will explore whether the right decision has been made at Roots Hall.

Southend United’s Difficulties This Season

Southend started the season well, emerging undefeated by the end of August. However, form became very patchy, as United would go into strings of consecutive defeats and victories.

Fans were critical of the lack of a plan B from Maher. The Shrimpers possess some incredibly talented players for the division, and debatably the best full-back pairing in the National League with Gus Scott-Morriss and Harry Boyes. But their reliance on the widemen would become abundantly clear, with little created from other areas of the field.

Additionally, while Leon Chambers-Parillon is linked with a move away, their wing-back pairing is sure to have suitors from the EFL this summer. With critical departures a possibility, the decision for a new direction could be now.

The Shrimpers often emerged shy in their fixtures against their promotion rivals. Emerging with three wins, three draws, and six defeats against the final top seven in the league season. And eventually, this was their undoing when an early Cal Roberts strike was enough to see Southend United bow out in the eliminator round.

Did Southend United Underachieve In 2025-26?

Ironically, the 2025-26 campaign was Maher’s best season for the club.

The Shrimpers won 50% of their league games, while over half of their defeats came against their top six rivals. After 46 games, Maher had amassed a respectable 81 points – their highest total since dropping into the fifth tier.

For any side losing in a play-off final, the expectations for the following season naturally shift to promotion. And while the table tells that Southend were nowhere near the title conversation, the division was undoubtedly stronger.

The title race caught the headlines, and rightly so, as Rochdale and York City collected over 100 points before a dramatic last-day clash for the title. But the points totals of those below are a huge talking point.

Carlisle United and Boreham Wood finished with 95 and 90 points respectively, the latter of the two finishing in fourth, resulting in two unheard totals for both clubs’ final league positions. While this comes with the fact that the bottom of the division was weaker than usual, expecting Maher to maintain any title claim would always have been an unreasonable ask.

Was The Decision Correct?

The Shrimpers were stagnant at points of the season, and many did not expect the club to do well in the National League play-offs given the competition.

And while their season finish and points total were in no way poor, their play-off showing against Scunthorpe United certainly was – even their performance at Wembley in the trophy final raised several eyebrows. Loyalty is often not rewarded in modern football, and a change in direction could be due with potentially critical outgoings to take place over the coming months.

A new-look Southend United is long overdue, but Maher’s work for the club will always be looked back on fondly.

The head coach’s dismissal was discussed in depth in the latest episode of National League Lowdown – our hotspot for weekly National League coverage. Bringing match previews, open discussion, statistics, transfers, and exclusive interviews about England’s fifth tier. Tune in today.