"Very smart" - Pundit backs Gillingham to appoint Southend United boss to replace Stephen Clemence | OneFootball

Gillingham are considering Southend boss Kevin Maher as they step up their search for Stephen Clemence’s successor.

Gillingham sack Stephen Clemence

Having spent years working as a coach for Steve Bruce, with the likes of Aston Villa, West Brom and Newcastle United among other clubs, Gillingham decided to give Clemence his first opportunity in management when he was appointed back in November.

Ultimately, he would endure a frustrating first period as the main man, as the Gills finished 12th in League Two, when they had been hoping to push for a play-off place.

Nevertheless, it was still a surprise that the club decided to sack Clemence, with his exit confirmed days after the season had finished.

Gillingham consider Kevin Maher for managerial role

Since then, there has been plenty of speculation about who could take over, although the timings mean the club are in no rush to make a decision.

The financial issues at Roots Hall are well-documented, but Maher managed to build a competitive side that would’ve actually finished in the play-off places had they not been hit with a points deduction.

It remains to be seen whether Maher does land the job, but he has a connection with the Gills having had a loan spell and a permanent one with the club during his playing days.

Carlton Palmer feels Kevin Maher would be a good fit for Gillingham

Obviously, this would be a step-up for Maher, and it does represent a risk in that sense for the Gills, but he has done a fine job with Southend over the past few years, which would suggest he is ready to go to the next level in his coaching career.

And, speaking to FLW, ex-England international Palmer made it clear that he thinks this would be a good option for Gillingham, as he also backed Maher to be a long-term success at Priestfield.

“Maher returned to Southend after spending ten years there as a player, and he has done a very, very good job.

“He’s had to deal with a number of off-field issues, which has restricted him in what he can do. They’ve been hit with a ten-point deduction due to financial difficulties, and despite all of that, they finished ninth in the National League, just six points away from the play-offs.

“This would be a very smart, sensible appointment. Maher is a young manager who has worked wonders at Southend, and he could take the club forward. It would be a very good move, and he is someone who could be at the club for a considerable length of time.”

Gillingham need to get this appointment right

Owner Brad Galinson has made his ambitions clear for Gillingham, but it’s fair to say that things haven’t gone to plan for him just yet.

Now, a big summer awaits, and they need to get this managerial appointment right. Then, whoever is in charge must be backed in the market, as it’s clear that the team needs to improve in certain areas - notably with a striker.

So, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out over the coming months.