Simon Barker

Blackburn Rovers

Barker began his career at Blackburn Rovers under Bobby Saxton's stewardship in 1983, having been Noel Brotherston's boot boy as an apprentice. He had chosen to join Rovers ahead of Manchester United as he felt he had a better chance of breaking into the first-team at Ewood Park. Rovers finished sixth in the Second Division in 1983–84, three places and 13 points outside of the promotion zone. They moved up to fifth in 1984–85, just two places and one point behind promoted Manchester City. Blackburn then dropped down to 19th in 1985–86, just one place and three points above relegated Carlisle United; Barker was voted the club's Player of the Year at the end of the campaign. New manager Don Mackay then rallied them to a 12th-place finish in 1986–87. Barker played for Rovers in the 1987 Full Members Cup final at Wembley, where Colin Hendry's goal was enough to beat Charlton Athletic 1–0. Blackburn reached the play-offs in 1987–88, but were defeated at the semi-final stage by top-flight Chelsea.

Queens Park Rangers

He joined First Division club Queens Park Rangers in 1988 for a fee of £400,000, a club record for both Blackburn and QPR. He made his debut in a 0–0 draw against Manchester United in September of that year. Rangers finished ninth in 1988–89 under Trevor Francis, eleventh in 1989–90 and twelfth in 1990–91 under Don Howe, and eleventh again in 1991–92 under Gerry Francis. Barker helped Rangers post a fifth-place finish in the…

Barker applied unsuccessfully for management jobs and instead began working full-time for the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) in 1999 after spending five years on the management committee. He went on to become a senior executive for the PFA.

Blackburn Rovers

Full Members' Cup: 1986–87 Individual

Blackburn Rovers Player of the Year: 1985–86