Former Southend United skipper Chris Barker dies aged 39

[Ricey]

Chris Barker may not have played the most games of his career at Southend. Looking at the tributes all of his previous clubs paid towards him ours was by far the most fitting and heart warming. What a great send of the club and the fans gave to a man who fully deserved it.

Things like this make me proud of this club in such dire times.

 

[The Big Dady]

 

[Ron Manager]

This may be covered in another thread so by all means Mods move this to somewhere more appropriate if need be.

But I just wanted to say how proud I was watching the minutes applause for Chris Barker at the weekend. Sat as my normal routine dictates, on my couch at gone 1am trying not to wake up the house as I watch on iFollow. There’s not been much (if anything) happening on the pitch to make me proud to be a Shrimper this season but that certainly did. It was spine tingling and brought a tear to my eye, I don’t mind admitting.

If that’s how powerful it came across to me on the other side of the world then I can only imagine it felt and sounded like in the ground.

So well done all and thank you, felt good to feel pride in my club again.

 

[Westcliff DGS]

it was very well observed and rightly so, a big shout to the Tranmere fans too as they also impeccably observed the minute as well

 

[The Turpinator]

Agreed Andy. Plus the minute's silence before the game has to be the best observed & silent I've ever witnessed. You literally could've heard a pin drop.

 

[Harry Bullocks]

 

[RHB]

Your opportunity to bid for the Chris Barker Montage produced for Saturday's game. All proceeds go to Mind.

full story here:

https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2020/january/bid-for-chris-barker-canvas/

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Excellent idea....

 

[cerbera45]

When I saw the flower's come out I got pretty choked tbh.

 

[OldBlueLady]

Admirable, but I find this a little strange - unless there are two of them.

I would have liked to seen this hung up somewhere of note at the Club.

 

[Ricey]

I think they should’ve reproduced a canvas print of the programme cover. Whoever came up with that did an excellent job and think that would sell really well and make some good money for the charity.

 

[OldBlueLady]

Worth posting your positive comments over to the Commercial team at SUFC guys, we're all too quick to criticise the Club so howabout letting them know you thought they got this absolutely right?

I know I did yesterday and they were very grateful for my comments.

And, everyone likes a bit of praise, don't they?

 

[Ron Manager]

Worth posting your positive comments over to the Commercial team at SUFC guys, we're all too quick to criticise the Club so howabout letting them know you thought they got this absolutely right?

I know I did yesterday and they were very grateful for my comments.

And, everyone likes a bit of praise, don't they?

Fair point, and that’s praise worth passing on. To be honest though what made me most proud was the response of the fans...especially in the 39th minute.

 

[Colchester and proud!]

Lovely Tweet from our old player Kevin Watson yesterday regarding Chris Barker.


The elation of last night replaced with extreme sadness today. Just got back from Rotherham and Barks memorial service. It was a beautiful service but SO SO sad. All I can say is that you’d have been humbled by the turnout of people who loved you mate. RIP ledge. Sleep tight

 

[Flinty]

I fully appreciate this will be moved but saw this and felt it worth posting on here for a while. There are more important things in life than football and it’s ok to talk

 

[Cricko]

The money we all collected on The Zone will be going to MIND as requested by CB's family. I am just awaiting details before sending it off.

Hi John

The CEO of Rotherham came back to me yesterday with... “Ritchie is sending an electric invite out or on PFA website which will have a link to charity MIND and MND charities”

So I’m just waiting on the link.

Kind regards,

Rhys Ellingham
Head of Commercial
Southend United

 

[Evening Echo]

A WHOLE host of former Shrimpers favourites will be re-uniting at Roots Hall to remember their ex-skipper Chris Barker.

More...

 

[united we stand]

A WHOLE host of former Shrimpers favourites will be re-uniting at Roots Hall to remember their ex-skipper Chris Barker.

More...

This could be the best match we get to watch at roots hall this season.
looking at the line up any of thoses players in their prime would walk into our side.

really looking forward to seeing BBBC, sturrock and of cause the one And only bilel.

 

[Ricey]

I don’t know if it’s because I am so tired from work but I cannot see a date for this game.

 

[Chrisb]

This could be the best match we get to watch at roots hall this season.
looking at the line up any of thoses players in their prime would walk into our side.

really looking forward to seeing BBBC, sturrock and of cause the one And only bilel.

Happy to buy a ticket and donate to the cause (over 50 years a supporter) with some great names returning to Roots Hall but won't actually attend if this idiot is playing - not fit to ever wear our shirt again and certainly not in a team remembering such a great professional player as Barks - cannot be mentioned in the same sentence for me.