Sam Barratt departs Southend United

It has been confirmed that former Maidenhead United, Bracknell Town and Woodley United winger Sam Barratt has departed EFL League 2 Southend United.

The tricky winger achieved his dream of playing in the Football League in the summer of 2018 when he moved from the Magpies to the then League 1 side but a serious knee injury suffered shortly after his debut against Doncaster Rovers limited his ability to make a mark at Roots Hall.

However, the Shrimpers clearly saw enough in Barratt to extend his contract in the summer of 2019, but a succession of managers, two relegation battles, and the injury that kept him out until January 2020 appears to have cut the Berkshire stars time short.

Writing on Twitter, Barratt said: “A tough 2 years as a Shrimper- not the way I envisioned my start to pro football but I’ve met some great people and learnt a lot at Southend. Gutted I never really had the chance to shine at Southend United, but thank you to the club and fans who have always been very supportive.”

Fingers crossed Sam gets the chance to have a fair crack at the Football League in the coming season.