Lee Barnard has admitted to southendunited.co.uk that he left Southend United with a heavy heart.

The forward today signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Southampton following his undisclosed fee move to the St. Mary's stadium.

And Barnard said he would always be grateful for the chance that Southend gave him.

"I owe a lot to Southend for the last two-years," said Lee this evening.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thanks to the manager and his staff, the players but most of all the fans.

"Southend is a club in my heart and it will be a real wrench to leave it."

During his two-years at Roots Hall he hit a total of 37 goals in 85 appearances following a move from Tottenham Hostpur in January 2008.

Barnard had scored 17 goals this season for Southend and it was that form that saw the Saints make a move for the 25-year-old.

"I'm really grateful for the Club and the Chairman for not making things difficult as they would have been well within their right to make me see out my contract," he said.

"Southend gave me my chance and had it not been for Steve Tilson believing in me then things could have been very different

"But this season has been my best in football and I'd put that down to being fit. I don't think I have missed a game this year apart from one where I was suspended."

And the forward who comes from Billericay has already had a look at the fixture list to see when he will be facing his old teammates.

"I didn't realise until I looked at the fixture list that Southampton away was Southend's last match of the season," said Barnard.

"Hopefully Southampton can push on towards the play-offs by then and I am sure Southend will do fine as well.

"Their result will be the first I look out for and I wish everyone all the best."