SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is confident the future will be bright for Blues.

The Shrimpers impressed during the second half of the National League season.

And Maher is keen to build on the progress being made.

“It’s been too disappointing for too many years here and now I think we can start looking forward and start being positive about what might happen,” said Maher.

“When I came back, I’d had a decent career here and was asked if it might spoil that but I believe in the club and what if it goes right?

“I think we can put it right and it’s a good place to be.

“Everyone I speak to wants to be here.

“I can feel it’s different now and you can sense it in the crowd too.”

But that was in stark contrast to when Maher first took control back in October.

"The first day we walked in you could see why it was where it was," said Maher.

"But you have to give credit to everyone who has worked behind the scenes.

"A lot of people are doing a lot of good work here and it’s important that’s recognised."