Experienced defender who made the switch to Keys Park from Enterprise National League side Eastleigh in June 2026
Born in Gorton, Manchester, Maher was a member of the Bolton Wanderers youth system from a young age, signing his first professional contract with the club in 2013 and playing for the Trotters' U23 side for the next two years. However, his league debut came for a different club after joining Championship neighbours Blackpool on loan in January 2015, coming on as a substitute against Watford later in the month
His Bolton debut followed towards the end of the 2015-2016 season with a late substitute appearance against Reading; despite this, Maher was to be released by the club at the end of the season and made the short journey across Greater Manchester to join League One side Bury on a one-year deal
After fourteen appearances at Gigg Lane, Maher moved to Ireland in August 2017 to join League of Ireland Premier Division side Galway United on a six-month deal before returning to England in February 2018 with a very short spell at AFC Telford United
Maher's most crucial career move to date came in March 2018 with a move to Vanaarama National League side FC Halifax Town. In the next five seasons, Maher cemented himself as a fan favourite at the Shay with some all-action performances for the side. He assumed the captaincy of the side in the 2020-2021 season and led his side to a fourth-placed finish in the league in 2021-2022, only to be beaten by Chesterfield in the play-offs. Maher's performances were rewarded with a place in the National League team of the year, which led to interest from clubs in the EFL
League Two Grimsby Town clinched the signing of Maher in June 2022, fending off interest from Oldham Athletic to sign the defender on a two-year contract. The Mariners' league season saw them mired in mid-table, but an historic F.A. Cup run saw Grimsby beat Premier League Southampton on their way to a quarter-final spot for the first time since 1939, beaten 5-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion
Grismby's 2023-2024 season was one of struggle, as they only just avoided relegation back to the National League with a lowly twenty-first finish. Maher departed Blundell Park in the summer of 2024 and joined National League side Eastleigh, managed by Kelvin Davis. His first season on the South Coast was a success with a virtual ever-present season as the Spitfires finished in mid-table. However, a long-term injury hampered his second season, limiting him to eight appearances
After departing Eastleigh at the end of the 2025-2026 season, Maher was reunited with now-Hednesford manager Davis as he joined the National League North newcomers in June 2026