SOUTHEND United’s under 23 coach Kevin Maher is wanted for a first team role at Bristol Rovers.

Former Shrimpers defender and assistant manager Graham Coughlan has been in charge of the Pirates since December 2018.

And the Irishman is keen for Maher - who he worked with at Roots Hall - to join him as first team coach at the Memorial Stadium.

Maher - who made 455 appearances for Blues during his successful career - has been in charge of Blues’ youngsters since October 2015 and has helped bring a number of players through the ranks while also winning two Central League Cups in the space of three years.

However, the 42-year-old could now be keen to further his coaching career at first team level.

The Shrimpers have already lost assistant manager Kevin Keen to an academy role at West Ham United this summer while first team analyst Ben Cirne has left to join Millwall.