Southend skipper confident of survival

Last updated : 26 June 2005 By Luke Thornhill
The Shrimpers won the League Two play-offs last season, after finishing fourth in the final table behind Yeovil, Scunthorpe and Swansea, to earn their place in the higher division.

Port Vale are first up for the side at Roots Hall, and Maher insists his side's passing style of football will leave them well equipped to survive - and potentially flourish.

"We like to get it down and play and we should have more chances to do that now," he said.

"It's a step up in quality, but we are looking forward to that and I think it is going to suit us more than playing in League Two."