Gillingham's Adam Barrett says it will be weird to face Southend United tonight (From Echo)

Gillingham's Adam Barrett says it will be weird to face Southend United tonight

10:00am Tuesday 18th September 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

ADAM Barrett admits it will be strange lining up against Southend United for Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium tonight.

The centre-back has not faced Blues since his successful six-year spell at the club came to an end in 2010.

And the Benfleet -based 32-year-old never expected to have to do battle with the team he supported a boy.

“If you had told me a couple of years ago I would be playing against Southend then I would’ve thought you were mad because I didn’t think I would leave,” said Barrett.

“It’s going to be very strange for me playing against them because it’s a club that I’m very fond of and always will be.

"My spell there was the happiest of my whole career so far and I remain very proud to have played for Southend.

“Being a Gillingham player now and, with this being my job, I obviously hope we win tonight but after the game I hope Blues go on a great run.

"In fact, an ideal season for me would be for Gillingham to come top and Southend to come second.”

Barrett made 289 appearances during his time with Blues before being allowed to leave during a difficult financial time for the club.

But the defender insisted the manner of his departure had not changed the way he felt about Blues.

“There were problems at the club when I left which I don’t want to go in to but it didn’t tarnish anything at all,” said Barrett, a former Belfairs High School pupil.

“I had so many happy times there and everyone just got on so well. “There are fantastic people at the football club behind the scenes and the supporters were magnificent towards me too.

"I still talk to a lot of them and I just hope I get a good reception tonight and that they don’t give me any stick.”