SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has revealed he wants to keep Adam Barrett at the club.

The popular defender will soon be out of contract with the Shrimpers.

But Brown does not want the 35-year-old to depart.

And the Blues boss hinted Barrett could also be offered a coaching role at Roots Hall.

“I can’t afford to throw away all the qualities Adam Barrett has and what he brings to this football club,” said Brown.

“If I’m honest I was very pleasantly surprised by how Adam ended the season, especially for somebody of his age, because he was first class and I will be driving to Burton, where Adam is currently staying while on a course, to talk to him about his future.

“I’ll know more about the situation once we’ve spoken but I could well be bringing up the possibility of a coaching role for Adam as well.”

Barrett, who grew up supporting Blues, enjoyed a successful first spell with his home-town club winning two promotions in a memorable six year spell before leaving in the summer of 2010.

However, he returned to Roots Hall in January and, after initially struggling to get back into the starting line-up, the defender played the final 11 matches of the campaign to help clinch a third promotion with Blues as they triumphed in the play-offs.

Barrett, who had initially intended to retire at the end of last season, is now also keen to continue playing for the Shrimpers in League One next term.

And he could well be joined by goalkeeper Paul Smith who could also be offered a coaching role by Brown.

“People don’t see what goes on behind the scenes but Paul is a big part of the goalkeeping set up we have here,” said the 55-year-old.

“I’m sure Daniel Bentley, Ted Smith and coach Terry Mason would agree with that too so I’ll certainly be having a conversation with Paul about his future and the possibility of him doing some coaching too."

Smith, 35, has been with Blues for the past three seasons but he played just once last term before the emergence of Ted Smith saw him slip down to number three in the pecking order.