IN one capacity or another I have now covered Southend United for the past 14 years.

And, during that time very few footballers, if any, have come close to matching the genuine passion Adam Barrett regularly shows for the Shrimpers.

The defender grew up watching Blues as his home-town club and went on to live the dream so many of us share by also lining up for Southend.

After signing in the summer of 2004, Barrett immediately became an instant hit with the supporters, scoring five goals in his first five starts at the beginning of a memorable opening season with the Shrimpers.

Barrett ended the campaign with 10 goals and played a pivotal part in Steve Tilson’s side winning promotion with a 2-0 victory against Lincoln City in the play-off final at the Millennium Stadium.

For many, Duncan Jupp’s game clinching goal remains the most memorable moment of that afternoon.

But for me it will always be Barrett standing at the top of the stairs on his way out of the stadium, with his arms aloft singing Shrimpers songs in my direction before he came charging towards a small group of supporters to give us all a huge hug!

Away from any cameras or microphones, that single moment epitomised his feelings towards the club.

And the good times did not stop there either.

Barrett was again a key figure in the team that won League One the following season to secure a place in the Championship.

But Blues did not have quite enough to compete at that level and were unable to avoid relegation.

However, Barrett got to line up in the FA Cup at Tottenham Hotspur that season before enjoying an even sweeter moment against another top Premier League team, Chelsea, in 2009.

The defender started the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge before heading Blues in front in the subsequent replay at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers were eventually beaten 4-1 that night before the club’s well documented financial problems led to Barrett and several others leaving at the end of the following season.

The manner of the departure hit Barrett so hard that he originally found it impossible to even come back and watch his beloved Blues in action or see anyone else wearing his number six shirt.

The defender had not expected to leave before his career came to an end and often spoke about his desire to return to Roots Hall.

His wish was finally granted in January when Phil Brown brought him back to the club but he has so far struggled to force his way back in to the team.

The likeable Barrett will be hoping to change that during the run in.

But whatever happens his status a true Southend United legend will not be in doubt.

And he will forever be remembered for his passion and professionalism both on and off the field during one of the greatest times in the club’s history.