AS Southend United’s most successful ever captain, Kevin Maher’s legendary contribution will forever be remembered at Roots Hall.

Maher led Blues to successive promotions and victory against Manchester United in the League Cup as well as twice being named player of the year and making more than 450 appearances .

But sandwiched between the lengthy list of achievements came a difficult start and an unsatisfactory ending which leave Maher with mixed feelings.

“It was very tough to start with but turning things around actually made the good times even sweeter,” said the 38-year-old, who spent 10 years with the Shrimpers.

“I had been at Spurs for a while and coming down to play in the lower leagues with Southend was a bit of a culture shock to be honest.

“I got put on the transfer list and I remember Alan Little trying to make me join a non league club.

“I rejected the move and had no interest in dropping out of the league. I just kept on working hard to turn things around and thankfully that was able to happen so I could enjoy a number of fantastic moments with the football club.”

However, mystery has long since surrounded his departure from the Shrimpers during the 2007/08 season when he joined Gillingham on loan.

But Maher has now also revealed he does not why he had to leave.

“It was very hard to leave Southend, especially as I don’t really know what went on if I’m being honest,” said the former midfielder.

“I’ve heard one or two things happened but it could all have been handled much better.

“However, it was all a long time ago now and it certainly doesn’t change how I feel about the club.”

Maher is therefore held in high regard by the Blues’ supporters.

And it is the ovation they gave him when walking out to pick up the League One trophy in May 2006 which remains his stand out moment with the Shrimpers.

“There are too many highlights to list but that Bristol City game and going out to get the trophy for winning the league would have to be the best one I think,” said Maher.

“It was something special to be a part of and I remember walking probably as slow as I could to get out there because I wanted it all to last as long as possible.”

That promotion saw Blues work their way up in to the Championship.

But Steve Tilson’s side were unable to last more than a season at that level, something which still frustrates Maher.

“I think that relegation was probably the most disappointing moment of my time with Southend,” recalled Maher.

“We had come a long way in a short space of time and I think it maybe took us a little while to actually believe we could compete at that level.

“We weren’t far away from staying up in the end though and it would’ve been huge for the future of the club if we had, “I personally preferred playing at that level too because you had more time on the ball and it was one of the best seasons I had with Southend.”

However, less than a year later, Maher left the club to join Gillingham on loan before teaming up with Oldham Athletic and then Dagenham, who the Shrimpers visit tomorrow.

Maher made just 18 appearances in two seasons with the Daggers.

But he thoroughly enjoyed working with their then manager John Still.

“You don’t meet many honourable people in football, but John is definitely one of them so I liked being at Dagenham with him,” said Maher.

“He told me he would offer me a deal and he did exactly that even when I broke my foot so I appreciated what he did.

“I’ve never really understood why he hasn’t had the chance to manage at a higher level either.

“He’s now doing well at Luton but Dagenham have turned things around just recently too so I think it’s going to be a difficult game for Southend.”

But Maher, who added he was still due to have a testimonial when Blues build a new ground, will be fully focused on his own big game this weekend as Chelmsford City visit Gosport Borough in Conference South.

Maher is currently first team coach with the Clarets, who are 10th in the standings.

And he is thoroughly enjoying his role at Melbourne Park.

“I’ve gone over to the dark side now but it’s great fun,” said Maher.

“It’s definitely where I want to work now and, at the moment, it’s all about getting as much experience as I can.

“We still have an outside chance of the play-offs with Chelmsford so it’s a big game for us as well tomorrow.

“But once our match is over I’ll certainly be looking for the Southend score and it would be great if they could get promotion again this season.”