Barker's Home Early

Barker's Back!
By Chris O'Brien
September 12 2004

Chris Barker is back at Ninian Park after Lennie Lawrence decided to recall the defender early from his loan with Stoke City. The left-back impressed during a four-week period in the Potteries and will now provide back-up for the Bluebirds backline.

Cardiff City have re-called Chris Barker back to Ninian Park early from his loan at Football League Championship rivals Stoke. A few eyebrows were raised when Lawrence sent the left-back to the Potteries on loan, but a small squad has seen the Bluebirds boss recall the defender after only a handful of matches.

Barker was meant to be spending a three month spell at the Britannia Stadium with first-team football unlikely at City. However, Cardiff want their man back after only four weeks of the temporary move and his impressive performances for the Staffordshire club could be a factor in the decision.

Barker made 4 appearances for Stoke and supporters were impressed with the way he quickly adapted to their back-four on the left-hand side. Tony Pullis was thought to be lining up a bid to sign the Yorkshire-man on a permanent basis and Barker had hinted that the move interested him, but the re-call has seemingly left this dead in the water.

Gary Croft's injury has left Cardiff with only the bare bones at the back so Barker will provide extra cover as the Bluebirds look to improve on a dismal start to the season which sees us lay 23rd in the table. However, the former Barnsley defender who moved to Cardiff for a hefty £600,000 will be likely to get only a place on the substitute bench at best.

Welcome back.