ADAM Barrett has expressed his delight at returning to Southend United until the end of the season.

As was first revealed by Echosport, the 35-year-old centre back has now completed a switch back to the Shrimpers after leaving Gillingham.

And Barrett, who goes straight in to the squad for Saturday’s trip to Oxford United, is thrilled to back with his home-town club.

“Everyone knows my affiliation with this club and I’m just so happy to be back,” said the former Belfairs High School pupil, who made 289 appearances during his initial six year spell with the club.

“I had the best years of my career here and I enjoyed every minute of being here.

“This club has always played a big part in my life, even when I was growing up in the area.

“It’s my club and one I enjoyed watching as a kid.

“So as soon as I knew Southend were interested there was nowhere else I was going to go.

“My family all live around here so it was a no brainer really and I’m just chuffed to bits.”

SEE FRIDAY'S ECHO FOR FULL ADAM BARRETT INTERVIEW