After departing Leyton Orient, Joshua Barrett joined Southend as a first-year scholar in 2024, and had established himself as a key figure of the Under-19s by the end of his first season in South Essex, making 16 appearances at a level two years above his age group.

Barrett then played a major role in Southend United Under-18s’ run to the FA Youth Cup Fourth Round, keeping four consecutive clean sheets through to the Third Round, before saving two spot-kicks in a penalty shootout win over Swindon Town.

In all competitions in 2025/26, Barrett kept 11 clean sheets in 29 appearances and will now feature for both the first team and Under-23's