Midfielder Maher signs for Gills

Maher impressed in his seven-game Gills loan from March 2008

Gillingham have signed former Southend United stalwart Kevin Maher on a two-year contract.

The 32-year-old midfielder, released by Oldham Athletic at the end of the season, returns to Priestfield where he finished 2007/08 on a two-month loan.

Ilford-born Maher started his career as a trainee with Spurs before being signed by then-Southend boss Alvin Martin in January 1998.

He spent 10-and-a-half years at Roots Hall before going to Oldham last July.

He had also been a target last summer for Gillingham, opting instead for League One Oldham. But, following the Gills' promotion at Wembley in May, boss Mark Stimson has now finally got his man.

Maher told the club's website: "I would have liked to have stayed last season but at my age I wanted to play at the highest level for as long as I can."

606: DEBATE Lots of experience - just what is need to add to a young midfield Rainhamgill13

Stimson added: "I've been after Kevin for a while. He'll be a fantastic signing.

"I've often talked about the need for experience and that's exactly what Kevin will bring.

"He can sit in front of the back four in the type of role that Josh Wright filled at the end of last season."