SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is third most effective manager in the National League, according to a study from Future Global Sports.
Maher helped transform the Shrimpers following his appointment in October, taking them from just above the relegation zone up to 13th in the National League standings.
And the in-depth report has now further underlined just how well the 45-year-old has done at Roots Hall.
An FGS spokesman said: “We have compared the playing styles of every manager in the National League and as you can see, Southend United manager Kevin Maher emerged as the third most effective manager in the entire National League based on our objective findings.
“From the report we can see that Maher is a manager with a high emphasis on attacking football, one of the most attacking managers in the league in fact, who ranked third best in our FGS Index for his overall style of football.
“And, if his style of play continues in the same way next season, with a low emphasis on defending, a high focus on attacking and an above average league median rating for defending set pieces, Southend could well be a dark horse to challenge for promotion next season.”
The report comprehensively detailed more than 70 managers including National League North and South with the aim of highlighting managerial talent in non-league.
The spokesman added: “The FGS National League Managers Report is aimed at chief executives, chairmen and club owners at clubs at both EFL level and non-league, as well as those in football or externally who want to know the best upcoming managers at the lower end of England’s rich football pyramid.
“This pioneering report is the first of its kind in non-league with graphical analytics and data compiled that cannot be found elsewhere.”
And it also underlines the managerial talent in non league.
Future Global Sports director Jonathan Fadugba said: "As Ian Burchnall’s recent rise from the National League to League One with Forest Green demonstrates there is a talent pool of managers below the EFL that is increasingly being looked to by forward-thinking and open-minded club chief executives and owners who understand the untapped managerial talent available in non-league.
"Choosing the right manager is a time-consuming, costly process that can be the difference between success and failure.
“This report allows club owners, sporting directors, managers and even fans to easily view the different playing styles and attributes of each manager, which holds significant value when it comes to manager recruitment and choosing a manager to fit the style of play for your football club."
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