SOUTHEND United will be bidding farewell to popular physiotherapist Ben Clarkson this weekend.

Clarkson has worked with the Shrimpers on a full-time basis since 2006.

And Blues’ academy Ricky Duncan, who brought him to the club, feels Clarkson will be hugely missed.

“Replacing anyone physio is hard but replacing someone like Ben is even harder,” said Duncan.

“He’s a massive team player and you will never hear anyone with a bad word to say about him.

“He’s a real team player, nothing is ever too much for him and he’s a funny guy to have around as well which is something else he brings to the training ground.”

Clarkson, who is leaving to take up a position within West Ham United’s academy, initially worked with the Blues’ youth side before working his way up.

And Duncan can still remember when Clarkson first arrived.

“He was one of the very first people who came into the club when me and Luke (Hobbs) first came in,” said Duncan.

“Ben had been doing some part time with John Stannard and I remember him coming in for the interview.

“It struck me right away what a caring guy he was.

“Physiotherapy isn’t just about putting ice on people like a lot of people think, he goes a lot further and he really cares about people.

“It was massive advantage to have that kind of personality in hte academy.

“He went through to the first team and that’s where his goal always was.

“He’s a massive Southend fan but that never interfered with anything he did.”

Clarkson has helped numerous players while at Roots Hall and Duncan’s feels it would not have been an easy decision for him to leave.

“He’s been a brilliant servant to the club,” said Duncan.

“It would have been a hard decision for him to leave but he won’t have left fully because he will still take a massive interest in the club I’m sure.”