KEVIN Maher insists he will be doing all he can to get Southend United’s season back on track.

Maher, who made more than 450 appearances as a player for the Shrimpers, will be in charge of the club’s first team alongside Ricky Duncan at Rochdale on Saturday.

And Maher is desperate for Blues to end a poor run of results which has seen them lose eight of their last nine games.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to help the club,” said Maher.

“When I was a player here I would like to think I always showed I was giving 100 per cent and I’ll be doing the same in this role too.

“This club will always be special to me and I’ve been asked to help out so that’s exactly what I’ll be doing alongside Ricky for however long is required.”

Maher has been in charge of the Shrimpers’ under-23 side since November 2015.

And he was quick to praise the departing Phil Brown for giving him the opportunity to coach on a full-time basis.

“It was a strange day yesterday without the manager being here and I owe him and Graham Coughlan a lot because they were always brilliant to me,” said Maher.

“Since coming back, Ricky, Phil and Graham have really helped me massively to improve, so what’s happened is sad.

“But unfortunately these things happen in football and we all have to get together now to focus on Saturday’s game.”

The Shrimpers’ poor form has seen them slip down to 18th in the League One standings, just two points above the relegation zone.

However, second from bottom Rochdale have also been struggling and Maher insists everything will be done to ensure Blues come out on top.

“We spoke to the players before training and afterwards the coaches all sat down and did their homework on Rochdale,” said Maher, who captained the Shrimpers to two successive victories and victory against Manchester United in his playing days.

“We did an analysis on them and used what the staff here had already done before, so we’re certainly doing all we can.

“I’m sure Rochdale are going to be fired up for the game and it’s an important match for both teams.”

Rochdale are currently nine points behind the Shrimpers.

But Keith Hill’s side have two games in hand on their visitors this weekend and will therefore be desperate to close the gap as they bid to avoid relegation.