Benches unveiled to honour footballer

Ambassadors of the charity include former Tottenham and Chelsea midfielder Micky Hazard and World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles

Two benches dedicated to a former footballer who died have been unveiled.

Former Southend United captain Chris Barker, 39, took his own life on New Year's Day in 2020.

The Bench for Barks campaign, run by the Southend United Ex-Players Association, raised money to install them at Roots Hall, the club's stadium, to help others with mental health support.

Micky Hazzard, ambassador of Legend on the Bench and a former Tottenham Hotspur player, said: "When they talk they will find out more people than they realise are listening and care."

The defender made 142 league and cup appearances for the Blues before departing in August 2013

Barker started his career at youth level with Alfreton Town in Derbyshire, before playing for Barnsley, Cardiff City, Stoke City, Colchester United, Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle.

He joined Southend in 2010 and went on to start 47 matches and earn the supporters' player of the year trophy in his first season.

The association started fundraising for two benches to be installed in his memory.

The seats, supplied by the Legend on the Bench campaign, are fitted with lighting and a QR code that links people to mental health support.

Mr Hazzard said: "They see the QR code and telephone numbers, and they know someone cares."

He added: "When you see the quality of the bench and how beautiful it is, people who are in dark places come and sit on it."

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