Listen now to the latest 'Have I Got Blues For You' podcast featuring Adam Barrett who talks of his love for the Shrimpers.

The podcast is sponsored by SP Financial Management and MSPFX and can be heard here

The podcast can also be found on iTunes.

Here's a short snippet from the 45 minute intervew. 

SOUTHEND United legend Adam Barrett has revealed how he struggled to watch the Shrimpers after leaving Roots Hall.

Barrett left Blues back in 2010 following financial problems at the club.

And the defender, who grew up supporting Southend, found it tough to come back and watch the team.

“I found it hard and I didn’t come back for a couple of years,” Barrett told the ‘Have I Got Blues For You’ podcast.

“It might sound silly but I found it too difficult to come back and watch because I still felt I should be there.

“I didn’t like seeing anyone else in the number six shirt and I found that difficult.

“I didn’t want to come back and not be anything to do with it.

“You have to get on with your life and your career but I found it tough going.

“The club means a lot to me. I have so many special times there and my first football memories are going to Roots Hall.

“I just never saw myself leaving and I didn’t want to go anywhere else but, unfortunately, I felt I had no choice.

“But as hard as those times were it will never ever tarnish the good times.”

Barrett joined Blues in 2004 and helped Steve Tilson’s side work their way from League Two into the Championship with back-to-back promotions.

And the former centre-back remembers that successful spell with incredible fondness.

“Everything just clicked and there was a real connection between the fans and the players,” said Barrett.

“There were local boys in the group and people who had been there a while.

“It was a really enjoyable period and I just remember we couldn’t wait to play at Roots Hall because there was a real buzz around the place.

“We were all passionate to play for the club and, for me, I was like a kid in the candy shop.

“The punters saw what it meant to us all as a group and we all stuck together.

“It was one of the most successful period in the club’s history and we had so many highs.

“There were so many great people there too. I’ve had many good years in the game but that period took some beating because we were riding a wave.

“I still get a buzz talking about them and the hairs on the back of the neck stand on end.

“It’s just a shame I haven’t got any on my head!”