KEVIN Maher will guide Southend United into action against Woking on Saturday fresh from being awarded the freedom of the city.

Maher’s role in the survival of the Shrimpers was recognised in a special ceremony at the Civic Centre on Thursday night.

And Jon-Paul FitzGerald, from the Shrimpers Trust, believes the part Maher played during the darkest days of the club’s history should never be forgotten.

“Without Kevin leading our team through the most shocking part of our history, alongside Darren (Currie) and Mark (Bentley)we would have been relegation fodder once more.

“He was leading a team with no pre season, an ever lasting transfer embargo, 10 point deduction, depleted squad, players ripping up contracts and a shameful excuse for a chairman.

“Kevin has had an impossible job and he has somehow managed to deliver a team we can be proud of whilst also showing unwavering loyalty to this club, our club .

“The Shrimpers Trust and I am sure all Southend United fans, will never forget the efforts of Kev and have no doubt he will continue to deliver for this city.”

Maher will be hoping to add to the celebrations with a win this weekend.

The Shrimpers head into the game sitting 11th in the table, unbeaten in their last nine games.

But Maher is expecting a tricky afternoon against a Woking side who have also been in good form.

“Our full focus is on Saturday and performing as well as we can to get a result against a Woking team who will be really competitive,” said Maher.

“They’ve picked up some good results, they’re well coached and well organised too.

“They will be tough opponents and it’s a difficult game like they all are.”

However, the Shrimpers go into the game boosted by the return of defensive duo Harry Taylor and Ollie Kensdale.

And Maher was delighted to see them both come through Tuesday’s behind doors clash with Leyton Orient unscathed.

“Training has been reduced recently due to the number of games we’ve had so we haven’t been able to get much intensity into them,” said Maher.

“To have the game at Orient was good for them because whatever you do in training you can’t replicate what happens in a game. They both did OK as well.”

But Maher is now facing a real selection headache at the back.

“You have to leave people out of the squad and that’s probably the hardest part of it,” said the Blues boss.

“But we’re going into a period with four games in nine or 10 days so the squad will be used.”

Gus Scott-Morriss returned to training with Blues on Thursday after returning from his midweek appearance for England C and Noor Husin is also available after opting not to team up with the Afghanistan national squad.