Chris Barker signed on a free transfer in the summer of 2007 but endured a difficult and injury hit first season at Loftus Road.

DOB - 02/02/80
Height - 6ft 1ins
Weight - 11st 11lbs
Contract Expires - 2009

The well travelled left back was John Gregory's first close season signing of 2007, on a free transfer from Championship rivals Cardiff City. He spent the whole of the 2006/07 season on loan at Championship newcomers Colchester United where he impressed in their play off push and was tipped to join the U's on a permanent deal in the summer.

Sadly his time at QPR so far has been beset by injuries and poor form. He went through two different hernia operations in his first season at Loftus Road and his lack of pace was shown up on numerous occasions. The arrival of Damien Delaney in january ended Barker's involvement with the first team and he was linked with a move back to relegated Colchester in the summer.

Chris began his career at non-league Alfreton Town, before signing for Barnsley in 1999. He spent three seasons at Oakwell both as a left back and centre half, before Cardiff paid £600,000 for his services in 2002 as they spent big under Sam Hamman to get out of Division Two. Barker played against QPR in the 2003 play off final at the Millenium Stadium which Cardiff won 1-0 with an Andy Campbell goal in extra time. He went on to make 150-plus appearances for the Blue Birds but slipped down the pecking order at Ninian Park when Dave Jones came in to replace Lennie Lawrence as manager, hence the loan move to Layer Road and was widely regarded as the U's most consistent performer throughout the season.

Photo: Action Images

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