Legendary Southend United skipper Kevin Maher recalls 'perfect day' he lifted League One trophy

The legendary Shrimpers midfielder skippered Steve Tilson’s side to the title in the 2005/06 season.

And for Maher it meant a complete transformation in fortunes having endured a tough start with the club.

“Having been at the club for as long as I had been I’d seen some bad times and been through a lot at the club myself so that day we won the title made everything worthwhile,” said Maher.

“The mood around the stadium was great and it was just such a brilliant group of players to be involved with as well.

“It was a brilliant occasion and to finish off with a win at home to win the League was perfect really.”

Maher went on to make 454 appearances for the Shrimpers.

But beating Bristol City, on this day in 2006, is right up there with the most memorable Maher enjoyed during his lengthy stint at Roots Hall.

“There was a chance Colchester could have pipped us if we lost but it was important we won,” said Maher.

“Promotion was brilliant but you want to win trophies and to lift the trophy was brilliant.

“I was asked to pick my 10 games for Southend recently and this was the first one I thought of.”

Wayne Gray bagged the only goal of the game after great work from Maher in the centre park.

And Maher was thrilled to see Gray get on the score-sheet.

“Wayne came off the bench and he did brilliantly all season,” said Maher.

“Him, Freddy (Eastwood), Goats (Shaun Goater) and James Lawson all played a part.

“But Wayne was a great lad and an important member of the squad.

“To score late on and the main thing was we won it.

“The game itself wasn’t that memorable but we were just desperate to win it so that’s all that mattered.”

And Maher was also able to reveal why the Shrimpers took to the field in their white away kit at Roots Hall.

“I think it was because the lads threw their shirts into the crowd at Swansea the week before, said Maher.

“We only ever had one shirt and we washed our own kit back then too!”