Barnsley Football Club are devastated to learn of the passing of Chris Barker at the age of 39.
The former Reds defender made 131 appearances for the club between 1999 and 2002 and was twice a winner of the Young Player of the Year award as well as forming part of the 1999/2000 squad that reached Wembley in the playoff final.
Also representing the likes of QPR, Plymouth Argyle and Southend United, Chris left Oakwell upon relegation in 2002, joining Cardiff City where he enjoyed another great five years in Wales.
A caretaker stint in charge of Aldershot at the end of his playing career followed, and Barker was most recently a youth coach with Forest Green Rovers.
Our thoughts are with Chris Barker's family and friends at this sad time.
The Barnsley FC squad will be wearing black armbands in tribute at Pride Park on Thursday night when we face Derby County in the Sky Bet Championship.
Once A Red, Always A Red.
