Chris Barker Loaned to Potteries

By Chris O'Brien
August 8 2004

Chris Barker has moved to fellow Football League Championship outfit Stoke City in a surprise loan-move. The utility defender has not made the impact many would have hoped for since his £600,000 move from Barnsley.

In a surprise move, Cardiff City have loaned out defender Chris Barker to fellow Football League Championship side Stoke City. The deal will see the utility player move to the Potteries for the first three-months of the new season.

It's fair to say that Barker has not impressed since his £600,000 move from Barnsley two seasons ago, but with the Bluebirds going into the new season with a small squad the loss of Barker will leave strength in depth even weaker.
"We are very pleased to get Chris on loan," said Stoke Director of Football John Rudge.

"He can play left or right side and gives us extra competition in defence. He is very experienced at this level and adds something extra to our squad."
24-year-old Barker was expected to struggle for much first-team football at the start of this season with Cardiff, particularly with the addition of Robert Page over the summer. However, the Yorkshireman will still have plenty of competition for places at the Britannia Stadium.

The deal includes a clause that can see Barker return to Ninian Park at anytime. However, there has been no news announced in regard to whether the left-footed defender will be allowed to play against the Bluebirds when the two sides commence battle in South Wales later this month.