SOUTHEND United centre-back Adam Barrett has been left with mixed emotions following the completion of the Shrimpers’ season.

Phil Brown’s side finished the campaign sitting 15th in the League One standings.

And although Barrett would have taken that position before a ball had been kicked the defender remains disappointed with how the campaign concluded.

“We would have taken this at the start of the season after only just being promoted by the play-offs and three quarters of the season were really good,” said the defender.

“We were in touching distance and were competing at the right end of the table but the most disappointing thing is how we tailed off at the end.

“It’s still been a solid season in a difficult decision and the positive is we’ve shown we can compete.

“But the way we ended was disappointing and we will need to improve our consistency if we are to improve.”

Blues found themselves on the outskirts of the play-offs for much of the season before suffering a dramatic loss of form.

Five successive defeats saw them slip down to 15th.

And Barrett feels a variety of reasons contributed to the downturn in results.

“There are lots of factors I’m sure the management team are looking into it,” said the centre-back.

“There has been a lot of speculation about the manager and certain players and there hasn’t been a real consistent team so it’s been chopping and changing.

“The club has been in the play-offs in the last two seasons and hasn’t really had a break so that might be another reason.

“We will look to improve next year now but it will be another tough, competitive league with some big teams coming down.”