Skip to content

Benches unveiled to honour footballer

Aimee Dexter
BBC News, Essex
Warren Muggleton/BBC Micky Hazzard is sat on the left of the bench and is looking at the camera. He has a black zip up jacket on and grey jeans. Behind him is a brick wall. Warren Muggleton/BBC
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."

Southend United FC Chris Barker appears to be stretching to kick the ball during a match. He is wearing a blue Southend United strip and is wearing the captain's armband. There is a crowd sitting in the stands in the background.Southend United FC
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.

Warren Muggleton/BBC A bench stands on some concrete just off centre to the left. One man is standing on the left of the bench, and two to the right. They are talking to each other. Warren Muggleton/BBC
The benches have been unveiled by Roots Hall

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."

If you have been affected by this story or would like support then you can find organisations which offer help and information at the BBC Action Line.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
Related internet links