SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher feels his side have enjoyed an incredible season – however it ends.
Ninth placed Blues head to Oldham Athletic on Tuesday night sitting three points outside the play-off positions with just three games to go.
And Maher is proud of his players’ achievement in extremely testing circumstances given the club’s severe financial issues.
“Whatever happens now the lads have been incredible and I have to say the fans have been as well,” said Maher.
“We’ll give it a right go in the last three games and see where it takes us.
“To be in with a fighting chance of the play-offs is an incredible achievement and there’s nothing to fear going into the last few games because what they’ve done as players and staff is testament to them.”
The Shrimpers have been in a transfer embargo since September due to money owed to HMRC while wages have been paid late throughout the season.
Despite that, Blues have battled their way back into contention for the play-offs and will move eighth with a win at Boundary Park.
Seventh placed Bromley – who currently occupy the final play-off position - head to Halifax Town tomorrow but Maher is only thinking about his side’s match with the Latics.
“We attack the next game and the other clubs will feel us coming behind them but we focus on ourselves,” said Maher.
“Whatever happens elsewhere happens elsewhere and we’ve got to get ourselves right.
“It’s just about the next game and trying to win it.”
Oldham, who were relegated from League Two last season, have recovered from a poor start to the campaign and currently sit 14th in the table.
David Unsworth’s side have triumphed in their last two games and Maher knows the Latics will be tough to beat.
“It’s a tough test against a team who have won their last two,” said Maher.
“They’ve picked up and, probably like ourselves last year, it’s taken time for them to settle into the league and find out what it’s about.
“It looks like they’re getting it together and they’re doing well.
“It’s a good club with a good fanbase so it will be a tough test.”
Scunthorpe – who were relegated out of the EFL last season, alongside Oldham – will now be in National League North next term after enduring another poor campaign.
And Maher believes Blues could also have continued to struggle without the good work being done behind the scenes.
“It’s credit to our recruitment and what we did at the back end of last season,” said Maher.
“It’s a tough, tough league and once you get down there it’s hard to get out.
“We’ve done brilliantly to get ourselves into the position we’re in.
“You see what’s happened with Scunthorpe and Oldham had a slow start too.
“There are clubs down there who probably didn’t think they would be but that’s what happens when it’s not done properly.
“We could’ve ended up in that position if we weren’t careful and it’s credit to everyone here that we aren’t.”
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