A WHOLE host of former Shrimpers favourites will be re-uniting at Roots Hall to remember their ex-skipper Chris Barker.

The popular defender, who would have been celebrating his 40th birthday today, was tragically found dead at his Cardiff home on New Year’s Day.

A fundraising match for mental health charity MIND will be taking place in his honour on Wednesday, May 6.

And Echosport’s Chris Phillips is hopeful it will be a night to remember.

“I think everyone associated with Blues would have been deeply saddened when we heard about Barks so I thought it was only right we did whatever we could to honour and remember him,” said Phillips.

“Barks is a key figure in the club’s history.

“He was club captain at a difficult time and wore the armband in our first ever cup final at Wembley.

“But, more importantly, he was a really top guy.

“What has happened is truly tragic but hopefully everyone can come together in his memory and we can raise a good amount of money for a really good cause.”

Barker lined up for the Shrimpers between 2010 and 2013, making 143 appearances for the club.

And a number of his ex-colleagues will be getting back together for the game at Roots Hall.

“The reaction to all of this has been brilliant and I think it’s testament to how popular Chris was as a person that so many people have got in touch wanting to help,” said Phillips.

“Nobody has said no and among those coming back are Ryan Cresswell, Bilel Mohsni, Ryan Hall, Michael Timlin, Mark Phillips, Barry Corr and Paul Sturrock.

“The squad is getting bigger all of the time and as word spreads more ex-players are getting in touch.

“We’ve spoken to Barks’ family and I’m really pleased that Rhys Evans, who was a close friend to Barks, will be with us as well.

“Although this is obviously so, so sad we want to make this night fun while also getting the message out there that it’s OK not to be OK.”

Ryan Leonard, who lived with Barker when they were together at Blues, has agreed to referee the game which will see the ex-Shrimpers take on a side made up of Barker’s former team-mates from his other clubs along with some well-known local players.

Southend fan and well-known comedian Terry Alderton will be the man on the microphone for the game and tickets, which will cost £5, are expected to be on sale from the club’s ticket office by the end of the week.

The match kicks off at 7.30pm and Phillips is keen for as many people as possible to get involved.

“We will be relying on fans to help us spread the word and it would also be great to hear from any potential sponsors,” he added.

For more details, email chris.phillips@newsquest.co.uk or message @cjphillips1982 on Twitter.