Christopher Andrew Barker (2 March 1980 – 1 January 2020) was an English professional footballer who played as a defender. He represented Alfreton Town, Barnsley, Cardiff City, Stoke City, Colchester United, Queens Park Rangers, Plymouth Argyle, Southend United, Hereford FC and Weston Super Mare and he was player-manager of Aldershot Town for three months in 2015. His brother, Richie, is also a professional footballer. Career 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 transfer was made permanent two days later, with Barker signing a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. On 5 August 2010, Barker joined Southend United on loan for one month after being told he was surplus to requirements by Argyle manager Peter Reid. He signed a two-year contract with the club at the end of the month on a free transfer. On 30 April 2011, Barker was voted Southend's player