Barker Joins Derby

Shaun Barker has been confirmed as a Derby player after he joined us today from championship rivals Blackpool.

We fended off competition from Forest to sign Barker, for an undisclosed amount, who believes that coming to Pride Park was the right thing to have done.

"It's been a whirlwind 24 hours, but it's great to finally be a Derby County player and I can't wait to get started.

Obviously the speculation has been around for most of the summer, but until you are actually told you can go and talk to a club then it remains just that, speculation."

There had been weeks of speculation surrounding a move to Derby but Barker said that it only took a brief conversation with Nigel Clough to convince him this was the right move.

"As soon as I spoke to the manager I knew this was the right place for me to be.

He has a very clear vision for where he wants to take the club and made me feel part of it.

There is a positive feeling about this place and there are already some really good players in the dressing room.

Another big factor about Derby County is the supporters; they turn out in unbelievable numbers week in, week out and to play in front of 33,000 people at Pride Park will be incredible."

The 26-year-old has been Cloughie's top priority for some time so he was obviously happy to have got this deal sorted out.

Clough believes that he's signed a player in his prime that has all the qualities he was looking for, who can play as a central defender or a full back.

"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 football club and be part of what we are trying to achieve."

Barker and Clough were both talking to the official website.

It's good to finally have this deal sewn up, with Barker signing a three-year contract, as it draws to a close a long process but one that was swiftly secured once an acceptable price was offered to Blackpool.

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