SOUTHEND United coach Kevin Maher is out to secure another memorable FA Youth Cup moment when the Shrimpers visit Newport County tonight.

Maher, who now works with both the under 18s and 21s at Blues, captained Tottenham Hotspur to the final of the competition back in 1995.

And he now wants Southend’s young players to also enjoy a long run in the cup.

“There’s a lot of talent in this Southend team and it would be brilliant if they could enjoy a good run in the FA Youth Cup this season,” said Maher.

“It’s a competition that holds good memories for me and that FA Youth Cup run we had at Spurs was right up there with anything else I went on to achieve in my career.

“We played Manchester United in the final and got to play in front of around 30,000 fans at Old Trafford.

“At that stage of your career you’re not used to playing at first team grounds so it’s all really exciting and now I want to try and help our young players enjoy something special too.

Echo:

Kevin Maher (right) - captaining Tottenham Hotspur at the 1995 FA Youth Cup final at Old Trafford

“I enjoy working alongside Ricky Duncan and Dave Hussey and hopefully the boys can put in a good performance tonight to make sure it’s us going to Blackburn Rovers in the third round.”

Blues saw off Barton Rovers twice in the first round after fielding an under-age player in the first clash between the two clubs.

But Maher is keen to avoid any further hiccups tonight as he continues his new role coaching role at Roots Hall.

“I’m absolutely loving being back here,” said the former Blues midfielder, who made more than 450 appearances during a 10 year spell with the club.

“The set up here is brilliant and I’m willing to do all I can to help bring through even more players for Southend.”