Aldershot Town, who play Wrexham away in a Vanarama National League match this afternoon, have paid tribute to former Cardiff City defender Chris Barker, who died on New Year’s Day.
A statement by ‘Shots chairman Shahid Azeem said: “Aldershot Town are deeply shocked and saddened at the passing of our former defender and caretaker-manager Chris Barker.
“Chris was an extremely popular figure both on and off the field at the EBB Stadium, wearing his heart on his sleeve for the club between 2013 and 2016, during which time he made 89 appearances since joining the Shots on the eve of the 2013-14 season and was also caretaker-manager for the final 15 games of 2014-15.
“He was also awarded consecutive player of the season awards.
“We were all very jubilant on the way home from our game with Eastleigh, when I heard the news and to be told that Chris Barker is no longer in this World was truly heartbreaking.
“There are no words that could describe how I felt. Chris was a tremendous professional.
“I first remember meeting Chris on our first day in the National League, when we met him at a service station on the way to Grimsby and we signed him on that day.
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“What I will always remember is his work off the field, where as club captain we held the Truce Concert on our pitch, in front of full military, dignitaries and Chris led proceedings from the players on the pitch with almost a full house.
“When we terminated our agreement with Andy Scott, we decided to appoint Chris as our interim manager. I called him late at night and told that we wanted him to take over the manager’s job.
“He said ‘are you bloody sure, I’ve never managed before?’
“The rest is history. He ensured our survival in the National League and then became assistant to Barry Smith.
“The football family have lost a true professional. Sincere condolences to Chris’s family and friends. He was, above all, was a proper ‘bloke’.
This afternoon, Aldershot take on Wrexham at the Racecourse Stadium. The Dragons clambered out of the relegation places by completing their first double of the season, beating Chorley 2-0 away.
Devonte Redmond and Omari Patrick struck for Wrexham and more than 800 travelling fans celebrated those second half goals.
Wrexham: Lainton, Carrington, Kennedy, Lawlor, Jennings, Rutherford (Reid 63), Redmond, Young, Grant, Patrick (Harris 90), Hooper (Oswell 84). Subs: Dibble, Barton.
Referee: Aaron Jackson (Merseyside)
Attendance: 1,684 (away 820)
