SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is keen to finally focus on just football after the club’s future was secured.

The consortium headed up by Justin Rees have now exchanged contracts with Blues’ current chairman Ron Martin.

And Maher wants the deal to signal an end to the Shrimpers’ struggles.

“Too often we haven’t focused on football or this team so let’s put the football side first,” said Maher.

“Everyone has gone above and beyond to get this done and I want to concentrate on football now because these boys are giving absolutely everything.

“You see the fans at the end and see how much they like these players so we need to give them help and look after them.”

Maher has guided Blues through a whole host of off-field issues during his time in charge.

And the Shrimpers chief admitted it had been tough going.

“There are things that come on my desk that shouldn’t but that’s been the same with everyone at the club,” said Maher.

“It’s draining like you wouldn’t believe but hopefully that’s behind us and we can work properly for a positive future.

“It’s hard to put into words right now but it’s for the fans and what a lift it is for them and everyone at the club.”

The deal will also boost Maher and will result in him finally being able to bolster his squad having been in an transfer embargo since September 2022.

“It’s been 15 months in a transfer embargo which must be a world record,” said Maher.

“To be competitive is an absolute miracle because to all intents and purposes we should be down getting relegated.

“It’s a good foundation to build on too.

“Nothing can be done before the next fixture but we’ve got targets.

“We can enter into negotiations now and hopefully they can be done but we have to sign the right players.

“It’s certainly not as easy to sign players as people think, especially at Christmas time.”