FORMER Southend United midfielder Kevin Maher could still be handed a coaching position at the club.

Maher missed out to Dave Robertson to become the Shrimpers’ new under 21 manager.

But boss Phil Brown has revealed he is still keen to keep Maher at Roots Hall.

“In the interviewing process Kevin Maher was very, very close to getting the job and it would be foolish for us to let him go,” said Brown.

“I’ve asked the chairman if we can afford to keep him on side and he’s allowed me to do that so we’re talking to Kevin with the idea of him maybe going between the under 18s and the 21s.”