KEVIN Maher has returned to Southend United to assist with the club’s youth and under 21 departments.

Maher made 454 appearances for the Shrimpers during a successful 10 year spell at Roots Hall which ended in 2008.

But the 38-year-old is now glad to be back at Blues.

“I’m delighted to be back here,” said Maher.

“I’ve been helping out on and off for a while but I’m glad to have got this position now.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started and learning more about the coaching side of the game.

“Hopefully I can help the young players with my experience and help a few more of them go through to the first team.”

Maher is now Assistant Academy Professional Development Stage Coach with the Shrimpers.

And he is pleased to still be surrounded by a number of familiar faces.

“There's still plenty of people I know around the place and it's almost as if I've never been away to be honest,” said Maher.

"But I'd like to thank the manager and the chairman for their help in making my move back here happen because I love this club and it's fantastic to be a part of it again.”