Former Shrimpers skipper speaks out: 'With everything going on it was a very stressful time'

Barrett: 'Want to get back to winning things & can't see that happening at Southend'

The ex-Blues skipper and centre back, but still a living legend with the Roots Hall faithful, the one and only Adam Barrett, recently had his contract cancelled by 'mutual consent' along with Macca, but Adam has been telling the Echo that he had no option but to quit the Shrimpers after six extraordinary years.

Moreover, it was the not too surprising news, al la Scannell yesterday, that it was the off-the-field problems that pushed him over the edge.

Adam told www.echo-news.co.uk: "It's very sad to be leaving because everyone knows what Southend means to me, but in the circumstances I felt I had no choice. I never thought I would leave but I was forced into a corner with everything that was going on and it was a very stressful time. It affected the team and it affected my personal life too. I have two young children now and it was a big concern."

Fair enough, and he wasn't finished there, adding: "I want to get back to winning things too and unfortunately with the way things are I can't see that happening at Southend right now."

Yes, we know that, and especially on top of the Echo article on the club finances Monday we'll just be happy to still have a team to support come August 7, but somehow hearing it from someone that has meant so much to this football club really pushes it home.

Certainly as the PFA representative he was the player the rest of the squad turned to in these tough times, and that was even more pressure that he could have done without with, as he says, a young family to support, and the fact the team were sinking so fast at the end on the pitch.

Anyway, he goes on to rate the still as far as we know it Blues manager Steve Tilson as the best boss he's played for.

Adam continued: "I really cannot speak highly enough of the job the gaffer has done. People don't know or don't realize what goes on behind the scenes, but he deserves a lot of credit for the job he has done. He's produced miracles during what has been a very stressful and difficult time and he is the best manager I have ever worked for. I don't think he's got the praise he deserves."

As well as going on to thank Paul Brush and all the back room staff, and, of course, the supporters themselves: "The fans were also a different class. I got to know quite a few of them while I was here and they deserve a lot of praise. I think they respected that I always gave 100% both on and off the pitch and I'd also like to thank them. All my family remain season ticket holders and I'm sure I'll be there in the stands with my son watching some games too soon."

Well, hopefully Adam you would have found a club that appreciate your talents to the full, and pay you on time for the privlege.

Finally, it was a trip down memory lane; the trophies, the visits to Cardiff, the back-to-back-promotions, that win against Bristol City to take the League One Championship.

He concluded: "They were all just fantastic, especially as it was with Southend who have always been a massive part of my life. From the moment I walked through the door everyone was just fantastic towards me and it really is a great club. I also really do hope they get the new stadium and can get back up the league because it's where I feel they deserve to be."

So that's that, and it can't be said enough, thanks for everything Adam and best of luck in the future.

Adam Barrett; an all round good bloke, and a not half bad footballer to boot.

For the full interview grab tonight's Echo but for exiles we've given you the greatest hits above.



Adam Barrett: Clutching a trophy in happier times for players and fans

The Barrett Files