Adam Spencer Locke (born 20 August 1970) is an English retired professional footballer, who played as a defender. Career Southend United Locke was born in Croydon, London. It was at Crystal Palace that he signed his first professional contract in June 1988. However, Locke failed to make a single first-team appearance during his time at Selhurst Park, and after two years he joined Southend United in 1990. Locke became a regular for "The Shrimpers", playing 88 games in just over four years, 19 of those appearances as a substitute, scoring 4 goals in his time at the club. Colchester United Locke was loaned to Colchester United in October 1993 and after 5 matches for The U's, the move was made permanent a year later. Welcomed by the Colchester supporters, who had been impressed by his performances during the loan spell, Locke spent just under three years at Layer Road, playing in 104 games and scoring eight goals. He spent the majority of his time at Colchester as a defender, usually as a right wing-back. He enjoyed a storming start to the 1995–96 season when he scored Colchester's winner on the opening day against Plymouth Argyle — a 30-yard drive into the roof of the net, followed by two more goals against Hartlepool United in the autumn. In the 1996–97 campaign, he scored four goals, all of those coming away from home, and featuring a double strike at Exeter City. However, given the depth of midfield talent at Layer Road, he found himself in and out of the starting line up and went on the transfer list at his own request in March. Bristol City During August 1997, Locke left Colchester to join John Ward's Bristol City on a free transfer, the prospect of joining an arguably bigger club too good an opportunity to turn down. In the 1997–98 season, he was Bristol City's find of the season. Playing at right wing-back, he showed great commitment, and had the ability to run at the opposition. He made the position his own as the side were promoted to Division One. Luton Town Having not been a regular at Bristol City in his second season, he decided to leave the club under the Bosman ruling. He was snapped up by Luton Town manager Lennie Lawrence on a free transfer in August 1999, initially on a month-to-month contract. After making his debut in a