BEN Coker has tipped his former Southend United team-mate Adam Barrett to be the Shrimpers’ next boss.

Barrett, who made 354 appearances for Blues during his playing career, has been coaching at Championship club Millwall since March 2017.

And Coker feels the time is now right for Barrett to take charge at Roots Hall.

Coker tweeted: “Barrett has to get the job!

“He would change the mentality of the football club.

“You have to give people a chance.

“Southend have employed managers with lots of experience and it hasn’t worked out.

“Barrett loves the club and would change the culture of the club.”

Barrett, 39, also grew up supporting the Shrimpers and remains a firm fans favourite at Roots Hall.

He is the bookmakers’ favourite for the job.