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Archived News from January 2007

HASLAM: BARKER MOVE A GOOD DEAL
6th January 2007 16:41


HASLAM: BARKER MOVE A GOOD DEAL
Evening Post, 06 January 2007

Mansfield Town sold captain Richard Barker to Hartlepool because they felt it was a fair price for his age, Keith Haslam claimed today.

Although the fee has not been disclosed, it is thought to be in the region of the £80,000 Pools offered for the striker earlier in the season.

And chief executive Haslam felt that kind of money was too good to turn down - even though Barker had more than two years left on his contract and had already scored 15 goals this season.

"We are disappointed to lose Richie as he has been a model professional, a good captain and a senior figure in the dressing room," he said.

"Hartlepool approached us and made an offer for Richie which, for a 32-year-old, we (*) believe is fair.

"There was an initial approach in October which I turned down. I totally understand Richie's desire to join a club that look to have a great chance of promotion and I wish him and his family every success in the future."

Barker said it had been a big wrench to leave Field Mill behind.

He added: "I've enjoyed every minute of my time at Mansfield. It has been an honour to be captain for the last 18 months and leaving was the hardest decision of my career.

"At this stage in my life this may be the last opportunity for me to win something.

"I'd like to wish everybody at the club and the fans the best of luck in the future and especially thank those who played a big part in my success over the last two years."

Manager Billy Dearden is determined to see no more players leave Mansfield during the January transfer window.

There are rumours circulating that Alex John-Baptiste and Giles Coke could also be on their way, following Barker out of Field Mill.

But Dearden insists that is a scenario he wants to avoid as he bids to keep Mansfield in the Football League.

"There are rumours about players at every club. People speculate about players and I don't think that is right," he said.

"I don't think there will be anyone else going and if that was the case we would have to have a ready-made replacement.

"Like anything, if a massive offer comes in then that is a different kettle of fish, but I wouldn't like to think I will lose any more players just now."

Danny Reet twisted his ankle in training yesterday after missing games over the Christmas period with illness.

But Stephen Dawson is making good progress in his recovery from a back injury.

The Irish midfielder has missed a considerable chunk of games but has now been back in training for more than a week and could be fit to face Hereford next Saturday.
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(*) Haslam and ... who ???

 

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