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Local lad Barrett joined the Shrimpers from Bristol Rovers in 2004 after spells with Mansfield and Plymouth. A strong and commanding centre half with an eye for goal, Barrett finished as second top scorer in 2004/5 with eleven goals, an astonishing return for a centre half. An integral part of Southend's promotion push in 2005/6 he was named in the Nationwide League 1 Team of the Year. Barrett has made 136 appearances for the Shrimpers and scored 18 goals including two already this season.
Midfield - Kevin Maher
Irishman Maher is Southend's longest serving player with 411 appearances notching 24 times in total in a United career which is in its eleventh season. The Shrimpers' skipper started his career at Spurs before joining the Essex team in January 1998 on a free transfer and making his debut shortly after against Burnley. The midfield general has represented his country on four occasions at Under 21 level and is a big fans' favourite with his committed displays, tough tackling and accurate passing.
Striker - Leon Clarke
Striker Clarke was snapped up by Steve Tilson on loan until January before the transfer window closed. This highly rated youngster came through the ranks at Wolverhampton Wanderers playing 83 times (including 48 times as a sub) and scoring 15 goals. He had loan spells at Kidderminster, QPR and Plymouth before Sheffield Wednesday snapped him up in January 2007 on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee. It has proved a difficult time for Clarke at Wednesday and his stay has been hampered by injury making only 3 starts last season (7 as a sub) and scoring once and was soon off to Oldham on loan where he scored 3 times in five games for the Latics. He scored once for Wednesday this season and it was something of a surprise and a coup for United when they secured him on loan. A quick and direct player who is good in the air and on the ground is expected to make his debut for Southend on Saturday against the Gills and Shrimpers fans will be hoping that his undoubted potential can come to the fore at Roots Hall.