Bristol Rovers are reportedly interested in their former coach Kevin Maher, who is currently in charge at Southend United in the National League, as reported by Bristol Live.
The Gas dismissed Joey Barton less than two weeks ago, with Rovers sitting 16th in League One. Their attentions have reportedly turned to Maher – who was a coach at the club between 2019 and 2021 before taking a role at Southend in October 2021.
The 47-year-old has taken temporary charge of the Bristolian club previously after Graham Coughlan’s departure in December 2019, before Ben Garner took full-time charge. He also has a deep history with his current club, having featuring over 450 times for The Shrimpers in eleven years at the Essex club – while also keeping his side as a competitive outfit in the fifth tier despite point deductions and off the field issues.
Despite their 15th position in the National League, Maher’s side have accumulated enough points to justify fifth position if not for point sanctions being incurred following the club being unable to clear a HMRC debt. However, brighter days may appear to be on the horizon for the non-league side, with a deal in place to purchase the club from a consortium led by Australian businessman Justin Rees.
The extent of Bristol Rovers’ interest is yet to be seen; however, if The Gas were to pursue a deal for their former coach, compensation and an agreement with both Southend and Maher would have to be agreed.
The former midfielder is amongst a number of names currently linked to the position, with Garry Monk, Dean Holden and Karl Robinson also repoertedly in the running.
For now, interim manager Andy Mangam will stay in charge with away trips to Reading and Carlisle United coming up this week.
Writer’s View
Maher has worked miracles at Southend United through an extremely bleak period – that combined with his history at Roots Hall and the prospect of new ownership will make this a complicated deal to agree.
Despite this, it is not a surprise to see Maher amongst the names of interest at the Memorial Stadium given the job he has done at the Essex-based club in unimaginable circumstances.
