JOHNNY Herd is sad to be bidding farewell to Southend United.

The left-back has been released by Blues boss Paul Sturrock after five years at Roots Hall.

And he is disappointed to be departing.

“I had been with Southend for quite a while and was probably the longest-serving player there, so having to go in to say goodbye to everyone was quite emotional,” said Herd, 21.

“I’m not surprised to be going after the season just gone but leaving has been quite hard to take.”

Herd emerged through the youth system at Southend and played 42 times for the first team.

But he made just six starts last season and blames himself for the lack of opportunities.

“When Sturrock first came in I didn’t do myself any favours at all with how I played in pre-season,” said Herd.

“He was looking to put together his own team and I didn’t play very well at all.

“He brought in his own players and Anthony Grant was the only one remaining from the year before who got to play, but he started like a house fire.

“I did the opposite but it was a difficult time for me.

“Because of the finanicial difficulties there had been the year before I actually ended up losing my house and was very unsettled.

“My head wasn’t right but I don’t want to use that as an excuse.”

But there were happier times for Herd at Southend.

And his personal highlight remains the FA Cup clash at Chelsea in January 2009 which ended in a 1-1 draw.

“Fans always bring up the Chelsea game when they talk to me and I think it was my own favourite moment at Southend too,” said Herd.

“I took the throw which led to Peter Clarke’s equaliser and nobody to do with the club will ever forget that day.

“Playing the games I did in League One was also a good experience and I do think I would have got more matches again had Tilson stayed in charge.

“But I definitely enjoyed my time at the club and would like to thank Ricky Duncan, Luke Hobbs and Mark Bonner for getting me to where I am and also to the fans who were always really good towards me.”

FULL STORY IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO