KEVIN Maher says he is 'delighted' to see his former colleague Ben Garner back in the game with Colchester United - but admits they are rivals now!
Southend United boss Maher worked as first-team coach at Bristol Rovers during Garner's time in charge there, between December 2019 and November, 2020.
Garner returned to football management earlier this month after taking over as U's head coach.
Maher says he has spoken to Garner following his appointment as Matt Bloomfield's successor, at the JobServe Community Stadium.
And although Maher acknowledges they are now rivals after Garner took over at Colchester, the Shrimpers boss says he is glad to see his ex-colleague back in the game.
Maher said: "I know Ben very well from our time at Bristol Rovers.
"I’m delighted he’s back in and he did a great job at Swindon when he was there in the same division.
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"He went to Charlton as well and I’m pleased for him to be back in. We become rivals now!
"We’ve spoken already and it’s nice when good people like him get back in the game."
Garner is looking to lift Colchester away from the League Two relegation zone, following a run of four successive defeats.
The U's, who travel to play leaders Leyton Orient this weekend, lie six points above the relegation zone with ten games remaining.
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