DCFC gave Forest fans just one more reason to despise them as they secured defender and childhood reds fan Shaun Barker, on a three year contract.

It is believed that Derby handed over around £900,000 to Blackpool which was getting close to the million pounds that was at one stage dismissed as being ‘too much’ for the 26 year old, after an initial bid believed to be £400,000 was rejected.

Barker initially joined Blackpool in 2006 on a free transfer from Rotherham whom he played over 120 games for. He was signed originally as a centre-half but in his first couple of seasons played mainly as a right-back with the Seasiders.

During 2007–08 and was made vice captain for the season and was one of their best players during that campaign. In the 08/09 season Tony Parkes  took over at Blackpool and returned Barker to the centre-back role. He excelled and cemented himself in the position as well as keeping the vice captaincy role and becoming club captain.

He leaves Blackpool to join Derby after 134 games and 5 goals under his belt and spoke to the Derby Evening Telegraph about the move:

 “Nigel Clough was a massive factor in my decision to come here; I was born in Nottingham and supported Forest as a youngster. But once you become a professional footballer you stop being a fan and concentrate on doing your best for your club”.

"Forest may have shown an interest in me but I am 110 per cent committed to Derby and very impressed by Nigel’s plans for the club. He had clearly done his homework on me and as soon as I spoke to him it was clear to me that Derby was where I wanted to be. I can’t wait for the season to start.”

 “I have been aware of Derby’s interest for a while, I had three great seasons at Blackpool and the only two other clubs I would consider in the Championship would have been Derby or Forest. I made great friends at Blackpool and it’s sad to leave. But this is a great opportunity at Derby.”

In turn Nigel Clough was pleased to finally get his man:

“Shaun has been one of our top targets all summer and we are delighted to have concluded the deal to bring him to Pride Park. At 26 years old he is in his prime and has all the attributes we are looking for in a centre half. His attitude and character are first class and we have no doubt that he will be a valuable addition to our squad for the season ahead".

"Shaun knows there is tough competition for places here but he’s shown a great desire to come and play for this club and be part of what we are trying to achieve.”

Clough also went on to say that even after signing Barker he still hoped to sign Australian International Patrick Kisnorbo and had very similar things to say about former Burton Albion defender John Brayford from Crewe.

"We are talking to Patrick and we are trying to get an offer on the table for him this week. Getting Shaun Barker in is the priority but we would probably like Patrick in as well."

"We have been concentrating in other areas in terms of centre-half, Shaun Barker has taken up a lot of energy and time so once we have got that one sorted, we will see what we can do with John."

It seems that as promised Nigel is beginning to build up his defensive stocks and at the same time clear out those that he does not believe have a role to play in his Derby team. The departure of Nyatanga and Dickinson this week started the final stages of culling and continued with talk of a pay out being negotiated for Claude Davis to take his game elsewhere.

Shaun Barker, or 'Reggie' as he was known to Blackpool supporters, is probably the most exciting signing so far for the coming season. His consistently impressive performances made him very popular with Blackpool fans and with his capture Derby fans will be pleased the club has finally landed a quality Centre Back, something they were in desperate need of.

And with comments like the one left on RamZone by Blackpool supporter ‘tangerine pug’ it sounds like Derby fans  have something to get excited about;

“He is by a country mile the best centre half in the Championship-period. He will be sorely missed by us”.

And if that is the case he will be gladly accepted by us!

Photo: Action Images

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