Defender Adam Barrett may love Southend United's current Roots Hall home more than most, but even he knows the time is right to move to Fossetts Farm.

Southend Council backed the Shrimpers' plans to build a new 22,000 capacity ground at Fossetts Farm this afternoon.

And Barrett, who attended the meeting with the rest of the first team squad, was glad the plan got a positive decision.

"Roots Hall is a stadium that means everything to me," said Barrett, who was brought up in Westcliff.

"It's where I saw my first ever match with my dad, where I made my professional debut and where I scored my first professional goal.

"They were both with Plymouth and I've gone on to have some great memories playing with Southend too, but the time has come to move on.

"It's the way football is going and that's why I hope the council give us the go-ahead because it would also be great for the whole town.

"I think a new stadium is what's needed if the club is to go on and become a force at its current level."

While the stadium plan was approved, plans to build flats and a supermarket on Blues' current Roots Hall home were turned down by Southend Council.