TRIBUTES ARE PAID TO FORMER STOKE MANAGER BARKER

STOKE City’s former manager Richie Barker has died at the age of 80.

Barker managed the Potters for two-and-a-half years having taken over from his friend Alan Durban who moved to Sunderland in 1981. During his time at the Victoria Ground, Barker broke the club’s transfer record to sign Sammy Mcilroy from Manchester United for £350,000 and also signed Mickey Thomas and Mark Chamberlain. Barker moved into coaching following his playing career.

He had spent seven years at Burton where he scored more than 150 goals in 270 games, form which then took him to Brian Clough’s Derby County.

After two years at the Rams, he then moved to Notts County where he netted 37 times in more than 100 apperances.

The Loughborough-born forward finished his playing career at Peterborough United before he decided to move into the dugout. After a spell managing Shrewsbury Town, his big break came at the Potters where he started his reign with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal. And he developed a team that was pushing for European qualification with Mcilroy, Thomas, Chamberlain and Paul Bracewell forming one of the most exciting midfields in the country.

Barker did have a brief spell back at Notts County - but the rest of his front line managerial career would take place overseas.

He went to Greece to coach Ethnikos Piraeus and then Egypt to take charge of Zamalek, who he guided to the African equivalent of the Champions League. Tributes have been paid to Barker. Durban tweeted: “Very sad news to hear of the death of Richie Barker. One of Clough’s early successful signings. Top man and top coach. Will be greatly missed.”

The Oatcake Fanzine added: “RIP Richie Barker, Stoke City manager between 1981 and 1983.

“His reign may have been shortlived, but he produced an exciting brand of football and brought some quality players to the Victoria Ground until his conversion to a long-ball style cost him his job.” Stoke City paid tribute to their former manager.

A statement read: “Stoke City are saddened to learn of the passing of the club’s former manager Richie Barker.

“Fans were for a time treated to some of the most eye-catching football in the club’s history.

“All at the club extend sincere condolences to Richie’s family and friends at this difficult time.”