KEVIN Maher is sure there is still hope for Southend United this season.

The former Blues captain, who made more than 450 appearances for the club during a 10-year spell at Roots Hall, faced Steve Tilson’s side as a late substitute for Gillingham on Monday.

And he feels Southend could still stay up despite their precarious position in the League One table.

“It’s not looking good for them, but it’s amazing what one win could suddenly do for the team,” said the 33-year-old.

“There is still hope for them and the form book goes out of the window at this stage of the season.

“You get some unexpected results and, while first and foremost I obviously want Gillingham to stay up, I really want Southend to do the same as well.

“It’s a real shame to see what’s happening there and where they are in the table.”

Blues, who remain 22nd in the standings, are currently three points from safety with six games to go and were beaten 3-0 by the Gills at the Priestfield Stadium in the bank holiday Monday clash.

Their performance did not impress Maher and he feels events off the field, including several late payments of wages, have affected the current crop of players.

“There seemed to be a lack of desire and heart in the team on Monday, but it’s understandable with what the players are going through there,” said Maher.

“They have been affected by what’s going on off the pitch and you could see that as soon as we scored the first goal their heads went down.

“I was speaking to players before and after the game and they’re obviously wondering just what is going on.

“They can’t be 100 per cent focused on football but I just hope the club can sort itself out and stay up because it still means a lot to me.”