Southend manager Kevin Maher says he’s proud but also bitterly disappointed at playoff final heartache, as Oldham staged quite the comeback.
He highlighted the team’s resilience despite early luck and a strong second half and noted the emotional toll of the defeat, especially after taking a 2-1 lead in extra time, only to concede late goals.
Maher praised the club’s progress and fan support but lamented the missed opportunity for promotion, stressing the competitive nature of the National League where only one team gains automatic promotion compared to League Two’s structure.
He suggested three teams should be promoted automatically but doubted it would happen.
Despite the pain, Maher remained proud of the team’s efforts and congratulated Oldham, wishing them well.
“It’s bitterly disappointing to lose it in the manner that we did”
Southend United manager Kevin Maher on his team missing the chance to be promoted to the EFL after losing the National League play-offs
pic.twitter.com/ISCq8FpCRv
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 1, 2025
Maher said to Sky Sports: “You know, bitterly disappointing to to lose it in in the manner we did.
“And, you know, when we looked, you know, we we rode our luck at times in the first half of the chances they had.
“And, you know, we we got a goal early, and sometimes when you do that, the shackles come off them a little bit.
“And they kept asking questions, and obviously got their goal back straight after halftime.
“And, you know, we weathered that.
“And we I thought we grew stronger.
“The subs coming on helped and, obviously, taking the lead.
“It was always early in extra time, so that we knew there was a long way to go, but we looked like we were managing the game very well.”
Interviewer: “Next season again in the National League compared to not being in the EFL, how much of a difference does that now make to your summer?”
Maher: “Yeah. Of course. Listen, especially since the June 1 now, so, you know, there’s not much of a break, and, you know, the the powers that be have decided to do it that way.
“And for Oldham, it’s a brilliant summer. For us, it’s one where we’ve got to regroup.”
“What we’ve all been through at this club, you shouldn’t have to go through those sorts of things,” Maher told BBC Sport.
“When we reflect we should be proud as a football club to see how far we’ve come in such a short period of time – but it’s pretty raw because as a professional you want to win.
“There were so many momentum shifts in the game.
“At 2-1 I thought we might go and get the third, and if you do that it probably puts it to the bed.
“There’s a bottleneck at this level, and this game tells you everything about the standard and quality in the league.
“In the National league you’ve got to be better than 22 teams and only the top one goes up automatically, while in League Two you’ve only got to be better than 20 sides – it should be three up, of course it should.
“Whether it gets voted in or not I don’t know, people say it’s like turkeys voting for Christmas.”
One of the maddest Wembley turnarounds ever with late drama in 24/25 National League playoff final
Maher said, per Southend Echo: “We’ve been a through an awful lot and it nearly wrecked the club so to get to where we have done makes you proud of course.
“But it hurts a lot and it’s still very raw.
“You’re professional and you want to come here and win.
“You know what it means and it’s incredibly tough to take.
“I’m sure we’ll reflect on the progress we’ve made further down but it goes without saying it’s bitterly disappointing.
“It’s just gone the wrong way for us during a couple of minutes in extra time but I am so proud of everyone.
“The numbers we turned up in today, the players for the effort they gave but it just wasn’t meant to be.
“To be so close, it’s so disappointing.
“At 2-1 in extra time it was probably as comfortable as we looked in the whole game.
“We break and had a couple of chances which could put it bed but we don’t take them and then all of sudden it’s 2-2.
“The way the next one goes in after that is cruel.
“It evades people and goes in the corner.
“Thank you to the fans for the support, it’s been amazing,” said Maher.
“I’m just sorry we just couldn’t get it over the line.
“Congratulations to Oldham.
“They’re a proper football club and I wish them the best of luck next year.”
Emotional scenes as Micky Mellon and Frank Rothwell celebrate Oldham’s playoff final win
Here’s how fans reacted as the Southend manager Kevin Maher says he is proud but bitterly disappointed at his side’s playoff final heartache…
@SteveEl7812064: You guys were awesome, we had a bit of luck but you’ll be back, I’m sure. Great manager, superb squad and amazing fans. Good luck for next season Shrimpers.
@HarryConstabl13: Gutting to lose but didn’t think we were the better team. Have done so well to get to this position and players worked their socks off but wasn’t to be. Fans were class and Tifo was mega. Next season we build and aim higher. Keep the faith 
@bungle666ue: OAFC fan here…. That was one hell of a final, seriously something else! All the best to all the shrimpers for next season, and the future. honestly guys, we are proof that near bankrupcy to success can be done! Southend/york play off inal next year, im sure of it!
@ChefBradSimpson: Well done lads a shame but did well to get there 
@Kaylalula: Hold your heads high. 3rd game in succession we’d gone to extra time, they gave it their all. Can’t ask more than that. Get yourselves off on your summer breaks, rest and relax. We go again next season knowing what is expected – let’s go and smash this league in 25/26.
@shrimperjon: Unbelievable effort these past few weeks and in the end we weren’t quite good enough. But a day to be very proud of the players and especially the fans. Wembley is as bouncing and what a great experience to be in Boxpark before the game. A club united again
@dancingdickie: Proper football club you guys, all the OAFC supporters will be rooting for you next season. All the best 
@McChipssally: From almost not having a club over a year ago! I think our boys did a grand job. I am very proud of all those that got us up and running, those who worked for no pay and still marched on, the fans of York that donated when players did not get paid. We are blessed x
@SteWilde: Unlucky @SUFCRootsHall, you did yourselves and your fans proud. You gave it your all. Good banter with your fans at the match, met several who congratulated us afterwards. You deserve to be in the EFL. Proper club with proper pedigree. See you there soon hopefully. #sufc #oafc
@stringer_oafc: Hell of a game and your fans were superb. I’m sure we’ll see you in League Two soon enough
@andyclose6: So near and yet so far today, but so proud of all the players, staff and fans – we all gave it everything today. This time last year we didn’t even know if we would have a club, at least now we know can look forward to going again next season UTB
@Will_ONeill: Tranmere fan in peace. We know what it’s like to lose the final and we went and won it the following year. Both clubs today shouldn’t be at that level. Good luck for next season and I’ll finally make it to Roots Hall as soon as you’re back in the League.
@JoeTickle5: SOUTHEND. all I can say is wow what a fucking game lads!! Two amazing fan bases breaking the attendance record!! I sincerely pray you absolutely wipe the floor with these tin pot team giving it the biggen now! next season!! It’s the least you deserve heads up lads 
@yellowflydesign: Unlucky, met some lovely Southend fans on the way to the ground and after the game. Both teams gave it everything they had and it was a real close game. All the best for next season and hopefully see you back in the League soon.
@LiamGowens: So so proud of this group. From my dad working at the club to family supporting! You are such a credit to Southend! Next season we go again! COYB 
@dannyholmes84: Thought you were gonna win in extra time we looked leggy and your subs gave your an extra 20-30%. You were unlucky and unfortunately someone has too lose but all the best for next season.
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