FINAL THIRD
A documentary on former Derby captain Shaun Barker is on the way
THE incredible story of Shaun Barker’s battle to recover from an horrific knee injury is to be the subject of a feature-length documentary.It was back in March 2012 that the Derby County captain collided with his own keeper, Frank Fielding, in the derby against Nottingham Forest. The collision snapped his knee cap and ruptured his medial, anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligaments. In the defender’s own words, his leg “was only hanging on by the skin”. His surgeon admitted it was the worst knee injury he had ever seen. Despite being told he would never play again, Barker, who turns 34 tomorrow, spent three years in gruelling rehabilitation sessions, before miraculously making a comeback for the Derby County Under 21s in 2015. However, he was unable to win a first-team place and left the Rams that summer. He has since signed a contract with Burton Albion, managed by former Derby manager Nigel Clough. Ironically, he made his debut for the Brewers as a late substitute in a 1-0 win over Derby towards the end of August.
Lifelong Derby fan Ashley Carter is the director of the documentary, entitled Shaun Baker:
1,065 Days. It is currently in production with a view to a release in December.
Inspirational
“Since meeting Shaun in 2015, it’s clear he isn’t like other footballers, and the players we’ve interviewed so far constantly talk about how influential and inspirational he is off the pitch, as well as on it,” he said.
“What he went through on a personal and professional level is astounding, and to still be looking to play professional football again is remarkable.”
Filming has included interviews with teammates at previous clubs Rotherham and Blackpool, as well as current and past players at Derby.
Among the interviewees are Nigel Clough, Jake Buxton, Craig Bryson, Seth Johnson and Roy McFarland.
Filming will continue through the year before there is a premiere screening at the QUAD Cinema in Derby, as well as it being released online.
All proceeds will go to the Shaun Barker Foundation, which aims to help underprivileged children in the Derby area.
The project is currently running an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign until October 2. Backers will have the chance to get some exclusive signed merchandise, including signed 2016-17 Derby shirts, signed photos of the 1971-72 Derby title- winning team, signed footballs, tickets to the premiere and the chance to be on set for a day of filming.