ADAM Barrett is relishing his role in Millwall’s shock success this season.

The popular former Southend United defender, who is based in Benfleet, is now first team coach with the Lions.

And, with the New Den side now sitting in the Championship play-off places, Barrett is thoroughly enjoying working with the Londoners.

“I’m loving it and I don’t miss playing at all,” said Barrett, who made 354 appearances for Blues.

“We only just made the League One play-offs last season but since then the team and the club has come on leaps and bounds.

“The amount of work which goes on is incredible and whatever happens now we’ve exceeded all expectations.

“But we’ve got ourselves into a great position now with just three games to go and we are going to give it a right good go.”

Millwall currently sit sixth in the League standings having gone 17 games without a defeat.

And their success has been masterminded by manager Neil Harris, a former Southend United striker who also lives locally in Eastwood.

Harris led Millwall to promotion from League One last season.

And Barrett has been incredibly impressed by his work.

“The manager is just brilliant,” said Barrett.

“His attention to detail and his work ethic is phenomenal and hours and hours of work has gone into what’s being achieved.

“It’s also been very easy for me to step into the role because Neil and I have very similar thoughts on the way you should conduct yourself so it’s been great from that point of view too.”

Barrett teamed up with Millwall in March 2017 after opting to end his playing career with the Shrimpers.

And the 38-year-old feels the move has been the perfect start to coaching.

“It’s been a big learning curve for me and that’s great,” said Barrett.

“We’re a small coaching team who are very close and driven by the manager. The standards are very high.

“We’re an unfancied team who were one of the favourites to go down at the start of the season.

“But we go into every game feeling confident and everyone knows their jobs, so the shape is very good.

“It’s going to be an exciting end to the season and we’ll give it all we’ve got and see what happens.”

Millwall host third-placed Fulham live on Sky Sports on Friday before also facing Middlesbrough and Aston Villa.