Post by Natty on Jul 15, 2009 11:46:32 GMT -1
DERBY County have signed Blackpool defender Shaun Barker for an undisclosed fee.
The Rams beat arch rivals Nottingham Forest to the 26-year-old’s signature and he will go straight into the Derby squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Chesterfield.
The Telegraph understands the Rams have paid in the region of £900,000 for Barker, who has been manager Nigel Clough’s top target this summer.
Barker has signed a three-year contract with the Rams.
“Nigel Clough was a massive factor in my decision to come here,” said Barker, who can play at centre-back or right-back.
“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.”
Barker was with Blackpool in Devon as part of the Seasiders’ pre-season tournament yesterday when he was told that the Rams’ bid for him had been accepted.
He then flew up to Blackpool to collect his belongings before travelling to Derby to complete the signing this morning.
“I have been aware of Derby’s interest for a while,” Barker added. “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.”
Clough said: “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.”
:Dwoooooooooooooooo
The Rams beat arch rivals Nottingham Forest to the 26-year-old’s signature and he will go straight into the Derby squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Chesterfield.
The Telegraph understands the Rams have paid in the region of £900,000 for Barker, who has been manager Nigel Clough’s top target this summer.
Barker has signed a three-year contract with the Rams.
“Nigel Clough was a massive factor in my decision to come here,” said Barker, who can play at centre-back or right-back.
“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.”
Barker was with Blackpool in Devon as part of the Seasiders’ pre-season tournament yesterday when he was told that the Rams’ bid for him had been accepted.
He then flew up to Blackpool to collect his belongings before travelling to Derby to complete the signing this morning.
“I have been aware of Derby’s interest for a while,” Barker added. “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.”
Clough said: “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.”
:Dwoooooooooooooooo
