SOUTHEND United’s Adam Barrett admitted to being uncharacteristically nervous ahead of his Roots Hall return against Cheltenham Town.

Barrett played the final 23 minutes of Tuesday night’s 2-0 victory against the Robins at Roots Hall after replacing the injured Ben Coker.

But the 35-year-old felt strangely apprehensive before heading back on to the pitch for Blues.

“It really did mean a lot for me to be playing for Southend again but it was a strange feeling too and I haven’t been that nervous for a very long time,” said the centre-back.

“At my age now and having been lucky to have played so many games over the years, I don’t normally feel like that anymore.

“You do feel a little bit up tight which is to be expected but so much has been made of my return that it brought the nerves back.

“Getting the little injury like I did meant it’s dragged on a bit too but, although it sounds cheesy, I do really feel as though this is coming home for me.”

Barrett made 289 appearances for the Shrimpers during his initial six year spell with the club and the former Belfairs High School pupil also grew up watching his home-town club.

The defender has therefore always been a firm favourite with the fans.

And he was given a rapturous reception on his return against Cheltenham.

“I’ve always had a special relationship with the Southend fans but I really wasn’t expecting anything like that and it blew me away a little bit if I’m honest,” said Barrett.

“It was something special that I’ll never forget and I would like to thank all of the fans for that.

“But making sure the team got the three points and another clean sheet was just as pleasing. Things are going well at the moment and we all want to help keep that going.”

Tuesday night’s victory pushed Blues back up to fourth in the League Two standings.

And Barrett is now hoping for another three points against Accrington Stanley this weekend.

“I’ve been really impressed by the team since coming back and we’ve won four of the five games so it would be great to get another one at the weekend,” said the centre-back.

“But we’re not getting carried away, especially as we’re about to start another tough run of fixtures.”

>Barrett’s PFA Academy is now holding training sessions for budding young footballers aged between two and five.

The first session will be held at Deanes School in Thundersley on Saturday March 14, between 1pm and 2pm.

Prices have been set at £6 per child but only limited spaces are available.

Both boys and girls are welcome to attend.

Email adambarrett26@icloud.com for more details.