SOUTHEND United centre-back Adam Barrett labelled winning Saturday’s play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers as the best moment of his long career.

The popular defender has made more than 650 appearances during his 17-year spell in the game.

But he insisted nothing had come close to matching coming out on top with the Shrimpers at Wembley.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win a few promotions and a league title but winning at Wembley on Saturday just topped the lot for me,” said Barrett, 35.

“Winning like we did and the way it makes you feel is just impossible to put into words.

“Everyone dreams of playing at Wembley when they’re a kid and I was certainly no different.

“But I watched this club from the terraces as a youngster too and it’s in my heart so for me I don’t think it will ever get any better than winning here with Southend.

“And being able to join the team in lifting aloft the trophy close to where all my family was sitting and looking out at all those fans was just incredible.”

Barrett was again impressive at the heart of the back four before he confidently stepped forward to fire home a powerful penalty during a dramatic shoot-out.

The 35-year-old thundered his spot-kick into the roof of the net and revealed he did so in a bid to recreate one of his favourite ever footballing moments.

“One of my favourite moments in football was when Stuart Pearce scored that penalty against Spain in Euro 1996 so I decided to smash it just like he did,” said Barrett.

“Every time I watch that and see his reaction to scoring it gives me goosebumps but I felt good stepping up to take it.

“I’m sure my family weren’t quite so calm, especially my brother who lives and kicks every ball so he was probably a bag of nerves.

“But it was a nice feeling to see it go in and it really was just a magical day.”