SOUTHEND United’s stars thanked the club’s supporters for turning out in their thousands for yesterday’s victory parade.

The Shrimpers paraded the League Two play-off winning trophy just two days after their dramatic penalty shoot-out success against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

And Blues centre-back Adam Barrett admitted it was the perfect way to round off a great weekend.

“It was brilliant to see the fans out in force for the parade and these are special memories for us all,” said the defender.

“I’m lucky enough to have been on a couple of these parades with the club before and they’re brilliant.

“Having my kids with me this time and them being able to take it all in makes it extra special.

“The fans have been brilliant to me again since I came back to the club and I would like to thank them for that and for them all turning out in such big numbers for parade.

“It really was the perfect way to finish off a perfect weekend.”

Southend’s fans packed out the sea-front to celebrate the team’s promotion which was secured when goalkeeper Daniel Bentley kept out two of Wycombe’s penalties in the successful shot-out.

And Bentley was also full of praise of the club’s fans.

“The number of fans out there for the parade was just ridiculous,” said the 21-year-old shotstopper.

“I wasn’t expecting there to be half as many supporters as there actually were and it was just brilliant to see.

“It’s great to be able to share these moments with everyone and it was a great thing for us to do.

“But having so many fans out there again pretty much summed up the support we’ve had all season because the backing for the team has just been incredible.

“And I really do think it’s played a part in us winning promotion.”