SOUTHEND United manager Kevin Maher believes that York City will be at the ‘right end of the table’ for the 2024/25 season.

Speaking to club media after Saturday’s Vanarama National League opener at Roots Hall, Southend boss Maher spoke on the threat that York posed to the Shrimpers, as well as how he felt his side contained it.

The hosts had taken the lead with just 16 minutes played, as Gus Scott-Morriss latched onto a free-kick from Oli Coker, flicking his header past a Harrison Male who was rooted to the spot.

It would take City another 70 minutes after Southend’s opener before they would draw level, with substitute Lenell John-Lewis pouncing on Alex Hunt’s corner kick to nod home.

Maher was disappointed with the calibre of goal his side conceded, but had kind words to say on the performance of the Minstermen, also admitting that he felt that a draw was a ‘fair result’.

“It was a really good start, we had them under pressure and backed into their box and asked a number of questions," Maher told the club media team.

“I was pleased to then get the goal and I wanted to build on that, but we were just a little sloppy on the ball at times which allowed them a bit of momentum with the ball.

“A draw is probably a fair result in the end.

“We thought that set-pieces were something we might get some joy from today, it was a great ball from Cokes [Coker] and a great header from Gus, as we know he’s got that.

“They are a good side and they have a lot of good technical players on the ball, that’s how they play and they did it without really hurting us or creating any clear cut openings.

“As much as they made us work at times and did very well, we defender very well, it was just on the turnover of the ball where we wanted to be a bit better.

“I’m disappointed to concede from a set-piece, but they had a lot of the ball without really opening us up.

“They’re a real good side and I’m sure that they will cause lots of teams problems, I’m sure that they will have a really good season and be at the right end of the table.

“A point was a great occasion and a great day for the club, now we move onto next week.”

Maher also spoke on the Southend atmosphere as they began a new era under new ownership, something that York co-chairman Matt Uggla had supported in the past.

“It was a brilliant day for the club with closure as well, a start of a new era and one that’s going to take time.

“Hopefully we can be a successful football club.”