Southend Utd have confirmed that defender and former captain Chris Barker has left the Blues following his contract termination.
Barker was contracted with the club until the end of the 2013/14 season, but will now be free to join another club.
Manager Phil Brown decided Barker was not in his plans for the current campaign but today praised the 33-year-old for his professionalism.
He said: “I just felt the time was right to try and move this club forward and unfortunately for Chris he wasn’t going to be part of those plans. He has been extremely professional since we spoke about the upcoming season and has continued to work extremely hard in training.
“He’s had an excellent career with Southend and has been a big part of the club for the past three seasons. I know the fans truly appreciate the efforts he has put in s
ince he joined in 2010. I would personally like to wish him all the best for the future.”
Barker was contracted with the club until the end of the 2013/14 season, but will now be free to join another club.
Manager Phil Brown decided Barker was not in his plans for the current campaign but today praised the 33-year-old for his professionalism.
He said: “I just felt the time was right to try and move this club forward and unfortunately for Chris he wasn’t going to be part of those plans. He has been extremely professional since we spoke about the upcoming season and has continued to work extremely hard in training.
“He’s had an excellent career with Southend and has been a big part of the club for the past three seasons. I know the fans truly appreciate the efforts he has put in s