LEO Roget remains in awe of the job his former Southend United team-mate Kevin Maher is doing in charge of the Shrimpers.

Maher has guided Blues to four wins in seven games this season despite a whole host of off field issues.

And Roget believes Maher’s work deserves to be permanently recognised at Roots Hall.

“He should have a statue outside the ground for what he did as a player and now for what he’s doing as a manager as well,” said the ex defender.

“I can’t believe how bad it’s got at the club.

“It’s shocking and alarming.

“You’ve seen it happen to other football clubs in the last few years but you just never think it will happen to a club you have such a close connection with.

“It’s beyond worrying when the club is in and out of court, there’s points deductions, money owing and all sorts.

“But like everyone else I just hope the club can came through the other side.

“Amid all of this the team has been brilliant though and I wouldn’t be surprised if a bigger club comes in for Kev because what he’s doing is pretty amazing.”

Maher has helped to transform the Shrimpers’ fortunes on the pitch since his appointment in October 2021.

And Roget – who came through the ranks at Roots Hall before making 139 first team appearances for Blues – has now decided to follow Maher into coaching.

“I’m currently doing my UEFA B and can hopefully get straight onto my UEFA A after that the following year,” said Roget.

“I’ve gone into Leyton Orient a few times now and seen what they do in their academy.

“I watched the first team last week too and saw a few old faces like Roycey (Simon Royce) who is goalkeeping coach there.

“I’d love to come into Southend but we’ll see how it pans out.”

Roget currently works as a personal trainer but has been craving a return to football in recent times.

“It’s probably about two years ago it started calling me,” said Roget.

“I coached my son’s team Takeley from the under nine or 10s up to the under 17s.

“I was helping out with them and then had year out which made me really want to get back into coaching, hence why I’m doing the B licence.

“I want to get as much experience as I can at various clubs.”

Roget will also have his playing career of more than 300 games to call back on.

The former defender experienced a number of highs and lows but Blues’ trip to Halifax Town tomorrow brings back good memories for Roget.

For back in 2000 he scored the only goal of the game for the Shrimpers at the Shay.

And it remains Blues’ last victory at Halifax.

“I remember it really well,” said Roget.

“We had a midweek game and I remember I got a dead leg.

“I scored that night too after Kev had been sent off actually, so I saved him again!

“The injury meant I couldn’t train and I told Johnny Gowens on the Saturday I couldn’t play.

“He just said to go for a run and see if it loosens up, which it did.

“By the end of the run it felt fine so I went out and played and got the winner which was a rarity for me.

“It just about went over the line.

“The defender cleared it and Martin Carruthers put in the rebound and was trying to claim it so we were arguing about it at half-time!

“But it was definitely my goal.”

Roget went on to score seven goals for the Shrimpers that season, a tally which saw him win a bet with Maher.

“Kev was hardly prolific so I think he must still owe me a tenner for that bet,” laughed Roget.

“But it might be best not to mention it because last time I saw him he reminded me how many times he would get fined as I was often late picking him up so it might be best to stay away from the money side of things!”

However, had it not been for Roget, Maher may not have ever ended up at Roots Hall.

“Kev and I have a hell of a history,” said Roget.

“We were in the same district team from 10 or 11 years old.

“He went to Spurs and he was in the reserves when he rang me and asked about Southend because there was a bit of interest.

“I just said if he wasn’t going to be in the first team at Spurs then he needed to get out and play because there was nothing better than playing competitive football for points.

“A couple of days later he was at the training ground and playing for Southend – so maybe I should be on that statue too!”