Southend United have sacked head coach Kevin Maher two days after the club's historic FA Trophy win at Wembley.

The 49-year-old, who was appointed boss in 2021 and had a 10-year spell with the club as a player, led the Shrimpers to victory over Wealdstone in a penalty shootout on Sunday, securing their first domestic trophy.

However, Southend finished sixth in the National League this season, losing in the play-offs to Scunthorpe United. On Tuesday, the club announced that Maher, along with coaching staff Darren Currie and Mark Bentley, would depart following a review of the 2025-26 campaign.

"The board has decided this is the right moment to start the next chapter in Southend United's journey and a comprehensive search to find a new head coach is underway," the club said.

"Kevin and his staff have played a hugely important role during a significant period in the club's history. Since the COSU [Custodians of Southend United] takeover, they have helped stabilize the football club, delivered back-to-back top-seven finishes, taken us to Wembley on two occasions, and on Sunday, delivered our first domestic cup triumph."

"Kevin was involved in more games as both a player and head coach than anyone in our 120-year history and departs with his status as a club legend firmly cemented."

Maher, who made 454 appearances for Southend between 1998 and 2008, told BBC Essex after Sunday's Wembley success: "I'm so proud of the players and the fans who turned out in their numbers."

"It's the first domestic cup the club has ever won - this is up there in my career highlights for sure."

In 2024, he was given the Freedom of the City of Southend in recognition of his dedication to the club during a challenging financial period.