Sky Bet League Two side Southend United have published their retained/released list at the end of the 2019/20 and there is good news of sorts for Berkshire’s flying winger Sam Barratt.
The list, which confirmed the departure of five players at the end of a season that culminated in relegation from League One with Barratt listed as ‘Meeting to discuss offer of new contract’.
Barratt – who is out of contract – has had an injury-hit two seasons since joining the Shrimpers from Maidenhead United in the summer of 2018 but returned to action just before the season was curtailed, making nine appearances and earning one assist.
The former Woodley United, Bracknell Town and Magpies winger was involved in a late call up to the Southend squad in January – his first inclusion in the matchday squad – after John White withdrew late on due to illness.
Barratt’s manager Sol Campbell said at the time: “Sam’s been out for a very long time and he would probably feel he can only do about 10 minutes at the moment. That happened because John dropped out. We had to call him up and get him over. Luckily it was a southern-based game. We had to get on the blower and get him in.”
Interview
During lockdown, Barratt gave a two part interview to Football in Berkshire’s Neil Maskell about his career so far, marking his England C cap as one of the highlights so far: “Representing England C away to Slovakia U23s. Lining up and singing the national anthem with my family and close friends in the stand was something special.”
“[It was] an unforgettable few days. I just learned to take in every moment, enjoy and savour it because the chance to represent your country doesn’t come round too often. It was less physical but faster-paced. A lot more technical, which you expect playing against skilled pros”.
Part one of that interview is here. Part two is here.
