SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher has been named National League manager of the month for February.

Blues won five of their six National League games during a month which saw the squad play unpaid.

But Maher was keen to stress it had been a team effort.

“It’s nice but it’s for everyone around the club who have been brilliant and obviously the players too,” said Maher.

“They’re the ones who perform and take control of the games so thank you to them and all the staff too.

“Everyone connected to the club should take some credit for it though.

“The manager is at the front but without all of the hard work going on around the place none of the results happen.”

And it was Maher’s work in extremely tough circumstances which saw pick up the award.

A statement from the National League confirmed: “There are few people who won’t have sympathy for the fans, players and staff at Southend after another turbulent season.

“But one thing has united the club while the off-field issues take up the headlines – their incredible form.

“Kevin Maher has gone above and beyond his remit as manager, and to his immense credit if you didn’t know you would be totally unaware of the problems that have rocked Roots Hall.

“That’s because the club are enjoying their best season for years and years.

“Winning five of their six games last month, he pipped the title chasers’ coaches to the Manager of the Month accolades.

“Southend started February outside of the top seven on a run of only one win since mid November but ended it in fourth!”

And the statement also praised the side’s character.

It added: “Showing their fighting spirit with last-minute winners at Maidenhead United and Torquay United, they also came from behind to stun FC Halifax Town.

“They also claimed maximum reward against York City and Gateshead.

"It’s not even due to an all-out attack.

"At the end of February, only Boreham Wood had a better defensive record in the National League."

Get more great stories by Chris Phillips delivered to your inbox every day by signing up to our regular newsletter here