ADAM Barrett will make his 300th appearance for Southend United when they take on Stevenage in the League Two play-offs this Sunday.

The centre-back is currently enjoying his second spell with the Shrimpers.

And nobody will be prouder at him reaching that landmark than the defender’s dad Charles who used to take Adam to watch Blues when he was younger.

“First and foremost I’m proud of Adam as a man but of course we’re all very proud of what he’s done with his football, especially with Southend,” said Charles, who lives just around the corner from Roots Hall.

“We’ve lived in Southend for 35 years now and we’ve always followed the football team.

“I used to take Adam to the matches before his own playing career really took off and he was just focused on the football from such a young age.

Echo:

Starting out - Adam playing for Hawkwell Athletic

“I take my nephew to the games now and he’s more interested in getting a hot dog or having an ice cream.

“But Adam used to take it all in and really watch it all.

“He really is a fan living the dream when he plays for Southend and I think that’s why he has such a special connection with the supporters.”

Adam enjoyed an incredibly successful first spell with the Shrimpers, winning two promotions during a six year stint which saw him make 289 appearances before departing in 2010.

But, after five years, he jumped at the chance to return to Roots Hall in January.

And Charles believes playing for Blues brings the very best out of Adam, who won the League Two player of the month award for April.

“When Adam plays I really do feel as though it’s 50 per cent about his ability and 50 per cent about the mental side of things but that goes up when he plays for Southend,” said Charles.

“He’s always been a good man motivator and had real grit and determination to succeed.

“Even when he was eight I remember we had to rush back from Center Parcs from him to play in a trial match for the County team and he just started taking control.

“Everyone listened to him and took on his advice and next thing we knew we got a letter in the post telling us he had been picked as captain.

“So the way he is now when he plays isn’t really anything new.”

Echo:

All together - the Barrett family

Adam first played locally for Hawkwell Athletic as a youngster before impressing for his school teams, Earls Hall and then Belfairs High where he was selected as skipper.

But, even at that young age, it was always football that was Adam’s main passion.

“I would think when most kids go on holiday it’s swimming shorts or something else like that they most want to take with them but with Adam it was always a football,” said Charles.

“I remember him being in hotel rooms just always kicking a football up against the wall and in the end we used to have to tell him to give it a rest.

“If things hadn’t worked out for him he would’ve been devastated but thankfully he got the rewards for his hard work and I always thought he would make if I’m honest, especially once he started to grow.

“Up until then I could just push him out the way a bit when we played in the garden but when I couldn’t do that anymore I really started to struggle.”

However, Charles is not the only one to have found it hard up against Adam who has now amassed almost 700 career appearances.

As well as playing for Southend, Adam has lined up for Plymouth Argyle, Mansfield Town, Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient, Bournemouth, Gillingham and AFC Wimbledon.

And, with that level of experience, Charles no longer gets nervous watching Adam play.

“We’ve been all over to watch him, including America when he went to college out there, but I don’t get anxious about it now because he’s done it for so long now,” said Charles, 65.

“All I’ve ever asked is that Adam tries his hardest and, even if he’s not playing well, he will always do that.

Echo:

The latest generation - Adam with son Harrison and daughter Georgia, plus niece Ellie

“But of course I would love Southend to win the play-offs at Wembley because they’re my local team as well.”

The forthcoming play-offs could also signal the end of Adam’s career after he announced earlier on in the season that he would be retiring when the campaign came to an end.

Adam has since revealed he is reviewing that decision.

And Charles believes he is capable of continuing for another season.

“It’s up to Adam not me what he decides to do but I think he can carry on,” said Charles.

“What he loses in pace he gains with his reading of the game and he certainly still has that desire.

“But, after all I am his dad, so I’m probably a little bit biased!”