Maher ready to battle for place

Athletic’s new signing Kevin Maher.

KEVIN MAHER is ready to battle for a place in Athletic’s starting XI after becoming the latest new name in John Sheridan’s squad.

Maher (31) has signed a one-year contract at Boundary Park, bringing even more competition for places in midfield.

The former Southend stalwart, who could have joined clubs including Swindon and Gillingham, boasts previous experience of winning promotion from League One.

But Athletic have a host of other options in central midfield as it is the favoured position of Mark Allott, Danny Whitaker, Dale Stephens, Kieran Lee and JP Kalala, while Neal Eardley and Chris Taylor can also play there.

Maher said: “In any walk of life you have to compete, and it’s no different here because I’ll need to earn my chance.

“Having so many players helps to keep up standards and I know it won’t be easy. There are no guarantees.

“I came here because I want to keep playing at the highest level I can and I know the way the manager wants to play football.

“I want to be part of something successful and, with a lot of talented young players around the club, I can see there’s potential.

“I was at Southend for such a long time, and had such an association with them, that it’s quite difficult to leave, but there comes a time when you’ve got to move on.

“We had a couple of promotions when we were fortunate with injuries and suspensions, but if you work hard enough you make your own luck.

“I’m a player who tries to do a bit of everything but, for me, the main thing is to pass the ball and keep it simple.

“Sometimes that’s the easiest thing, sometimes it’s the hardest, but the manager knows my game and he wants me to keep doing what I do.”

Maher’s fitness levels are high as he has been training with Gillingham since his release by Southend at the end of last season.

He made a 45-minute appearance in last night’s home friendly against Derby, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Sheridan was delighted to capture the Essex-born player, a former Tottenham trainee with over 450 senior games under his belt.

Sheridan said: “Kevin will bring great experience and is a good signing. He has good setpiece delivery and takes care of the ball.

“Just because I’ve brought him in doesn’t mean he’s automatically in the team, but I like the way he plays and I think he’ll do well.”

Athletic are now in talks with Stoke City about taking winger Demar Phillips on loan. The Jamaican has played in the last two friendlies.

o Boundary Park hosts the first of three matches in the Learning Disabilities European Championships on Saturday when England play Hungary (3pm). Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children/pensioners.

Season-ticket holders and Boundary Blues members can gain free admission on production of their ticket books.

Athletic also host one of the semi-finals next Wednesday and the final on Saturday, August 2.