KEVIN Maher is favourite to be Southend United's next manager.

The Shrimpers are on the look-out for a new boss following Phil Brown’s dismissal 10 days ago.

And it is former Blues midfielder Maher who now appears to be in line to take charge, with betting now being suspended on him getting the job.

Maher spent 10 seasons with the Shrimpers as a player, making 455 appearances before leaving in 2008.

The 44-year-old skippered Blues to two successive promotions and victory against Manchester United in the League Cup.

The midfielder went on to play for Gillingham and Oldham Athletic before returning to Roots Hall as the club’s under 23 coach in 2015.

Maher stayed with the Shrimpers until 2019 when he joined Bristol Rovers to work alongside Graham Coughlan and he remains assistant manager at the League Two side.

Maher has also had two spells as caretaker manager at the Memorial Ground, having also previously taken charge of Chelmsford City on a temporary basis.

Blues, who sit 20th in the National League standings, are keen to appoint a new manager before Saturday’s trip to Dagenham & Redbridge.