THIS is where the Echo had planned to bring you the latest column from Southend United skipper Adam Barrett.

But, amazingly, the club scuppered this week’s Barrett’s Banter because chairman Ron Martin took exception to a report which briefly mentioned that players were still waiting for their January wages to be paid.

We normally talk to Adam each week to help him compile his column, but yesterday we discovered he has been ordered not to co-operate with the paper.

Other players are also apparently banned from speaking to us, although we will continue to offer them the opportunity.

An email from the club told us: “After the Echo ran the line about the players’ wages, we will not be co-operating with the Echo.”

Manager Steve Tilson said he was unable to make any comment on the wages situation when asked after the recent 1-1 draw with Tranmere Rovers at Roots Hall.

The problems with the salaries have now also been reported in the national media.

Sources at the club confirm players have still not been paid for January, four weeks on from the normal pay day.