Barrett Scoops PFA Gong

Last updated : 03 November 2004 By Robert Craven

Barrett celebrates his second goal against Macclesfield
The news will come as something of a surprise to the 24-year-old, who left Bristol Rovers and the captain’s job at the Memorial Stadium to link up with Steve Tilson’s men and his boyhood heroes. The well-built blocker was ever-present during the month, but the majority of his more notable performances had come earlier in the campaign.


Barrett opened his goalscoring account for the Seasiders at his old club in a 2-1 defeat to the Pirates, and followed it up with both goals in the subsequent home game with Macclesfield Town, earning his side the three points single-handedly. After claiming the fourth in the 4-1 victory at Rushden & Diamonds, the defender was disappointed to learn that the Football League had handed the goal to home midfielder David Bell, but made up for it by heading home twice more in another 2-1 win, this time at Meadow Lane against Notts County.


However, all of those matches, where Barrett grabbed the headlines, were in August and September, and the goals dried up during October. The award, then, voted for by supporters of all clubs in the Coca-Cola Football League, is a mark of his consistent displays at centre-back, which have seen Blues rise from the lower reaches of mid-table to seventh place and a play-off spot some sixteen matches into the 2004/5 season.


Speaking to the club’s official website, www.southendunited.co.uk, Barrett expressed his amazement, “It’s a big shock to be honest but I’m very grateful to all the people who voted for me. I know a few months ago I’d scored a few goals but as that had dried up for the time being I didn’t think I’d be in with a chance”.


The Dagenham-born player’s award is the second that the club have secured this season, with the team being handed the Performance of the Month award for the 4-1 Nene Park triumph over Rushden. Blues’ boss Steve Tilson is also likely to be one of the contenders for October’s Manager of the Month award, which is scheduled to be announced shortly.


Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com