Gillingham are reported to have been denied permission to speak to the Southend United manager.

According to the Southend Echo, the Gills want to speak with Kevin Maher as a possible replacement for sacked boss Neil Harris.

A club spokesperson told the Echo: “The club can confirm that it has refused Gillingham permission to speak with Kevin.

"Kevin, supported by Darren (Currie), Mark (Bentley) and John (Still, head of football) are doing a brilliant job, for which everyone at the club is grateful.”

Despite working under an embargo and some challenging times at Southend, Maher has managed to keep the team competitive and they sit mid-table in the top flight of non-league, despite a 10-point deduction.

Former Gillingham player Maher, 47, was appointed head coach at Southend two years ago with another Priestfield old-boy Mark Bentley working on the backroom team.

Maher played over 60 games for the Gills between 2009 and 2011.

Gillingham have been without a manager since October 5, when Neil Harris and assistant David Livermore were both sacked, with the club then four points off the top.

Keith Millen has been acting in a temporary role since then while the club look for a replacement.

Chairman Brad Galinson recently said they had interviewed over 20 potential candidates and that talks would continue next week.

Millen may well take the team for the match at Hereford next Saturday in the first round of the FA Cup.

Gillingham’s next league fixture is on Saturday, November 11, away at Wrexham.