SOUTHEND United legend Adam Barrett has been left overwhelmed by the reaction to his retirement.

The popular centre-back, who made 354 appearances for the Shrimpers, has been inundated with messages since deciding to hang up his boots earlier this week.

And the 37-year-old admitted to being truly touched by the tributes coming his way.

“Since it came out I would be retiring my phone has been non stop with messages and phone calls from a number of people and I’ve found it quite overwhelming if I’m honest,” said Barrett.

“I’ve had team-mates from years ago come out the woodwork to get in touch and fans thanking me too which really does mean a lot to me.

“I’m a bit of a dinosaur so I’m not on Twitter but a few people have been telling me what’s been said on there as well and I really do appreciate it.

“It’s been lovely to hear and read, especially as this has been a really difficult decision for me.

“I’ve played football since leaving school, I’ve been a professional for 19 years and it’s been my life.

“But I know the time is right and I’m just happy I’ve been able to retire as a Southend player because that’s what I always wanted.”

Barrett played professionally for Plymouth Argyle, Mansfield Town and Bristol Rovers before joining Blues in 2004.

The defender played a prominent part in Steve Tilson’s side, winning back to back promotions and enjoyed a number of memorable moments lining up for the club he supported as a boy.

“I’ve always spoken about what this club means to me and I was so proud to be a Southend player,” said Barrett.

“I grew up watching the team from the terraces, ripping up the newspaper and throwing it up in the air when the players would come out.

“So to go from that to playing was a special, special feeling and we had so many great moments.

“The promotions were of course a huge highlight, the Bristol City game, playing Chelsea and Tottenham, scoring away at Northampton most seasons, beating Colchester, scoring at Southampton just after my son had been born, I could go on and on.

“Scoring twice against Sunderland was also great in my first spell and so was doing the same against Macclesfield.

“It certainly wasn’t the most glamorous of fixtures but it was the first time I got to pull on a Southend shirt at Roots Hall and that meant everything to me.”

Barrett’s passion for the Shrimpers shone through in his performances and immediately made him a firm fans’ favourite.

And the former Belfairs High School pupil was keen to thank the supporters for their backing.

“The fans have always been first class to me and I really do wish I could thank all of them individually,” said Barrett.

“There aren’t enough words for me to say how I feel about them but they are tremendous and so are a lot of the people behind the scenes at the club.

“I would also like to thank them, including the chairman who has been great and I’m so happy I got to come back.”

Barrett’s first spell with Blues ended in 2010 before he returned five years later and helped the club win promotion from League Two via the play-offs, beating Wycombe Wanderers in a dramatic final at Wembley.

“Every kid dreams of playing at Wembley and that game still gives me goose-bumps,” said Barrett.

“Scoring in the penalty shoot-out was great and it couldn’t really have been any more dramatic.”

However, Barrett is still hopeful of enjoying many more happy memories in football and now has his sights set on a career coaching.

“I want to go into coaching and then management one day too” said Barrett.

“But for now I’ll be keeping my options open and seeing what comes up.

“I really enjoy the work I do with my academy and I want to make that even more successful.”