SOUTHEND United will be paying tribute to their former skipper Chris Barker before Saturday’s clash with Tranmere Rovers at Roots Hall.

Barker died suddenly aged just 39 on New Year’s Day and Blues will be holding a minute’s silence in his memory prior to this weekend’s League One clash.

The ex defender made 142 appearances between 2010 and 2013.

And former Blues boss Paul Sturrock, who brought Barker to the Shrimpers, remains devastated by the news.

“I’m just gutted and I couldn’t believe it when I heard what had happened,” said Sturrock.

“Barks was a great guy, a model pro and club and team captain who absolutely everyone would look up to.

“He was a winner, he always wanted to win so badly and he was someone all of the young players would look towards on and off the pitch.

“He would talk them through games on the pitch and he set the standards.

“He was a great player for us too.

“He was deservedly player of the year at the end of my first season and he was so important in everything we achieved while we were trying to rebuild.”

Blues’ fans are also planning to hold a minute’s applause in the 39th minute of Saturday’s game with Tranmere in memory of Barker who Sturrock will forever hold in high regard.

“He was just absolutely everything you would want a footballer to be,” said Sturrock.

“On and off the pitch he set himself high standards and he was someone who everyone in the squad and at the club would love.

“When the time was right he loved a joke and he had a good sense of humour.

“He was in digs with a few of the lads and he was great for them.

“He was involved in everything that was going on and was certainly one of the best signings I ever made.

“He had a great career and was a very talented defender with an excellent reading of the game.”

Barker -who captained Blues at Wembley for the 2013 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final against Crewe Alexandra - made more than 650 appearances during his career which also included spells at Barnsley, Cardiff City, QPR and Colchester United before he started to concentrate on coaching.

He had been Forest Green Rovers’ under 23 team coach.

And Sturrock always felt Barker would make a great manager.

“He was always someone you knew would stay in the game because of his knowledge and attitude,” said Sturrock.

“I know he was impressing people with his coaching and that came us no surprise.

“This is so sad and my thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

Blues have also announced that, with the support of their printers Ignition Sports Media, 50p from every programme sold this weekend will be donated to the Mind Charity which is a charity partner of the EFL.