NON-LEAGUE football expert Adam Virgo believes Kevin Maher should be the National League’s manager of the season this term.

Maher has transformed the fortunes of the Shrimpers since taking charge back in October.

And Virgo – who covers the division for BT Sport – has been incredibly impressed by the impact Maher has made.

“For me, he’s definitely on to be manager of the season,” said Virgo.

“It had been doom and gloom at Southend and I honestly thought it was going to be like someone’s stomach after a vindaloo, straight down.

“I thought Southend were going into National League South.

“They were on for relegation, there was no doubt about it.

“It’s all ifs, buts and maybes but they’re probably looking more towards the play-offs now than relegation.

“The play-offs are a huge ask and a ridiculous achievement but that’s the kind of direction they’re heading in.

“Where they were to where they are now is a completely amazing turnaround.”

Blues have gone from the relegation zone up to 12th in the standings after going nine league games without defeat.

The Shrimpers’ latest win came at Woking on Saturday and saw first hand the progress being made under Maher.

“It was one of the best first halves I have seen all season on BT,” said Virgo.

“They were excellent in their passing and movement and (Callum) Powell was my man of the match until he got subbed.

“So many times Southend have crumbled after conceding in the past and that’s a game they would’ve lost last season but now they’re finding ways to win it.

“They’re digging deep and their work-rate without the ball is very impressive.

“It seems they’re all playing for the manager and it’s pleasing to see.”

However, Virgo feels improving things off the pitch has also helped Blues get back on track.

“Obviously the transfer embargo coming off and being able to sign players has made a huge difference but people look at results and think it’s all about that but it’s not,” said Virgo.

“I was at a football club in Bristol Rovers where I could see them getting relegated because everything was shambolic off the pitch. “People think it doesn’t make a difference but it makes a huge difference but Southend have made changes where that’s concerned too.”

Blues will now be looking to continue their unbeaten run when they host Grimsby Town on Friday night.

And Virgo now feels the Shrimpers are heading the right way.

“In fairness to everyone, there’s real direction at the club now,” said Virgo.

“I think the style of football has completely changed compared to what I saw against Stockport, Grimsby and in the highlights from other games too.

“It’s a complete turnaround and the manager has to take huge credit for that.”