Chris Barker

Barker was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. He began his professional career at Barnsley in 1999, winning the club's young player of the year award in his first full season. After beating competition for his place from Mateo Corbo, Barker was again awarded the club's young player of the year award, becoming the first player to win the award on two occasions. After appearing in over 100 games for the club, on 12 July 2002, 22-year-old Barker joined Cardiff City in a deal which was thought to be worth an initial £500,000, with an extra £100,000 if Cardiff achieved promotion. After dropping down a division to sign for the club, Barker helped the team win promotion in his first year. He remained first-choice left back for the majority of the next few years, joining Stoke City on loan in August 2004 for three months only to be recalled after one, and was voted the Cardiff City supporters' player of the season in 2004–05. On 18 August 2006, Barker was signed on loan by Colchester United until January 2007. This was later extended until the end of the season. The move was not made permanent at the end of his loan spell, but he was regarded as a very popular and respected player with the fans at Layer Road. On 5 June 2007, Barker signed for Queens Park Rangers in a two-year deal, on a free transfer. He signed for Championship rivals Plymouth Argyle on an emergency loan deal on 9 August 2008, allowing him to make his debut later that day against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The…

Player

Cardiff City

Football League Second Division play-offs: 2003 Southend United

Football League Trophy runner-up: 2012–13 Individual

Cardiff City Player of the Year: 2004–05 Southend United Player of the Year: 2010–11