FORMER Pilgrims defender Chris Barker is relishing his first return to Home Park since his departure in the summer of 2010 when Southend United visit on Saturday.

Barks made 58 appearances in his spell as a Green, having been signed by then Argyle manager Paul Sturrock in time to play in the Pilgrims' Coca-Cola Championship opener with Wolves in August 2008.

Now the Shrimpers' skipper, Barks can't wait to get back down to Devon again.

"I haven't been back since I left and I'm certainly looking forward to it," Barks told the Southend Echo.

"I enjoyed my time with Plymouth and it's a real shame what's gone on there in the last few years.

"It wasn't that long ago that they were in the Championship getting crowds of 15,000 to 16000 but now they're fighting to even stay in the league."

"I really hope they do avoid relegation but I'm a Southend player now and I want the three points for us this weekend."