Friday 1 July 2011 13:25, UK
Defender Chris Barker has been appointed club captain for next season by Southend manager Paul Sturrock.
Last year's skipper Craig Easton left the club after failing to agree a new contract at Roots Hall. And centre-back Barker, who won supporters' player of the year award last season, has been named as his replacement after only 12 months with the League Two club. The 31-year-old's vice-captain has been named as striker Neil Harris. Sturrock told Southend's official website: "Both are senior players with huge experience and I am sure they will do a good job leading on and off the pitch."
