GILLINGHAM have been denied permission to speak to Southend United head coach Kevin Maher, Echosport understands.

The Gills have been without a manager since parting company with former Shrimpers striker Neil Harris at the start of October.

And the Kent club, who are eighth in League Two, had been keen to talk to Maher about the vacancy.

However, Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin knocked back the request from Paul Scally.

A club spokesperson said: "The club can confirm that it has refused Gillingham permission to speak with Kevin.

"Kevin, supported by Darren, Mark and John are doing a brilliant job, for which everyone at the club is grateful.

"We are on a journey and they are all an important part of it."

Maher has successfully guided the Shrimpers through a huge number of off-field issues since being appointed in October 2021, including a transfer embargo which has been in place for almost 14 months.

Blues were also docked 10 points for financial irregularities at the start of the season but still sit 14th in the National League standings despite not having been able to select five substitutes all season.

Maher, who has been in charge of the Shrimpers for 106 games, played 76 times for Gillingham during his own career.

The 47-year-old is also out of contract at the end of the season.