SOUTHEND United’s under-21 manager Kevin Maher is wanted by Stevenage, Echosport understands.

The former Shrimpers midfielder has been on the coaching staff at Roots Hall since last November.

But he is now on the radar of League Two Stevenage who require a new first team coach.

Stevenage, who have Darren Sarll as manager and Glenn Roeder as his advisor, finished 18th in League Two last term.

And, as they attempt to improve on that position, they are keen to recruit Maher.

The former Blues midfielder ended last season combining his role with the caretaker manager position at Chelmsford City.

But Maher, who made more than 450 appearances for Southend, eventually ruled himself out of the running for the job full-time at Melbourne Park.

However, it still remains to be seen if Maher will continue working with Blues’ under-21s, who he helped win the Final Third Development League South Cup last term.

Maher, 39, became Blues’ third under-21 manager of the season last year after both Dale Brooks and Dave Robertson has decided to depart after only a few months in the post.