Southend United’s Chris Barker to be remembered with benches

A fundraising scheme to buy benches in memory of a former footballer who took his own life has raised more than £4,000.

Former Southend United captain Chris Barker died aged 39 on New Year’s Day in 2020.

The Bench for Barks campaign said it would be a “fitting tribute” and the bench would be a source of information for someone else who may feel alone.

Two seats are expected to be placed at the Blues’ home ground of Roots Hall.

Andy Leader is from the Southend United Ex-Players Association and is involved in the project, along with the Shrimpers Trust supporters’ group.

“These are good quality benches and they’re used as a…