Barker bids to regain top form (From Echo)

Southend United's Chris Barker bids to regain top form

7:00am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND United skipper Chris Barker hopes a return to Plymouth Argyle this weekend can help him rediscover his best form.

Barker has been below par for Blues in his last few outings.

But the centre-back is determined to soon get back to his best.

“I’m going through a sticky patch at the moment and I’ve not been enough for the last three or four weeks now,” said Barker, 31.

“It’s probably the first sticky patch I’ve had since being with Southend and I’m old enough and ugly enough to know I will get through it.

“I’m doing extra training and everything I can to regain my form and hopefully I can play better against Plymouth.”

Barker will back in familiar surroundings, having spent two years with the Pilgrims before joining Blues, originally on loan, in August 2010.

The defender made 58 appearances while with the Pilgrims.

And he is relishing his first return to Home Park.

“I haven’t been back since I left and I’m certainly looking forward to it,” said Barker.

“I enjoyed my time with Plymouth and it’s a real shame what’s gone on there in the last few years.

“It wasn’t that long ago that they were in the Championship getting crowds of 15, 000 to 16,000 but now they’re fighting to even stay in the league.

“I really hope they do avoid relegation but I’m a Southend player now and I want the three points for us this weekend.”

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO