Championship

BECOMING a professional athlete comes with twists and turn but Keith Barker’s sporting career has been on a roller coaster.Initially, Barker set his sights on a football career and his early days were spent at Blackburn Rovers.Keith Barker had his sights set on a football career playing at Blackburn in his early daysCredit: RexBarker then swapped to become a cricketer and has represented Warwickshire and HampshireCredit: GettyBut the 37-year-old left football behind and transitioned to cricket and has now been a professional cricketer for 15 years, representing both Warwickshire and Hampshire in the County Championship.A switch that is quite uncommon as Barker went from earning a living by kicking a ball to mastering the art of batting and bowling.He spoke with talkSPORT about his time as a footballer before switching to cricket.Barker said: “I started at Blackburn Rovers at the age of nine and got offered a contract at 16, and I was there for another four years after that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I had a loan spell at Rochdale and Cercle Brugge, Blackburn Rovers’ feeder club.”I then played in St Patrick’s in Ireland for a few months, and then, it slowly went downhill.”I was at Northwich Victoria, and at that point, things weren’t looking too great, so at 21, I said I was done with it.”I got offered a trial at Warwickshire against Hampshire, and it went from there.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAfter hanging up his boots at 21-years-old Barker has played in 163 first-class matches, amassing more than 5,000 runs and claiming over 500 wickets.His cricket journey began when David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd first noticed his potential, leading to observations by Warwickshire’s second team and eventually a trial.Football icons’ strange hobbiesBarker’s performance during the trial was remarkable, marking the end of his football pursuits.Along the way, he has also shared the field with several renowned players.He continued: “[At England youth level] There was James Morrison, Mark Noble, David Nugent.”I played for England Under-19s and 20s, and that was a good experience, and I learned a lot from that.”Barker’s career path intersected with Mark Hughes, who had a successful four-year stint with the Rovers prior to joining Manchester City.Although Barker may not have played for Blackburn’s senior team, he held Hughes in high regard.He added: “Mark Hughes was a bit different.”I didn’t spend that much time around the first team when he was there. He seemed like a good man-manager.”I remember Craig Bellamy being there and Robbie Savage, who saw himself as the big fish. He had some egos in there, managed them well, and got the most out of them.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Barker’s football tenure was short lived it was filled with unforgettable memories playing under Graeme Souness who was boss at Blackburn during his youth career.Barker said: “I would love to re-live those experiences – they were brilliant.”Barker played alongside Mark Noble in the England U19s and 20sCredit: GettyBarker also played under Graeme Souness at BlackburnCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

BLACKBURN goalkeeper Aynsley Pears was left red-faced after scoring a disastrous own goal against Sheffield Wednesday.The 25-year-old was in action for John Eustace’s side in a crucial match in the Championship relegation battle.Dominic Hyam sent a backpass back to his goalkeeperCredit: X/SkyFootballAynsley Pears took a swing at the ballCredit: X/SkyFootballTo Pears’ horror the ball ended up in the back of the netCredit: X/SkyFootballAynsley Pears could not believe his gaffeCredit: PAWith Rovers already trailing 2-1, defender Dominic Hyam sent a backpass to his goalkeeper.Pears went to clear it first time, but inexplicably sliced the ball horribly into his own net.Following his nightmare moment he waved his arms in frustration before picking the ball out of his own net.Pears had produced an incredible performance as his side beat promotion-chasers Leeds 1-0 at Elland Road last week, but this time out he had fans tearing their hair out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the gaffe, reminiscent of Paul Robinson’s 2006 error against Croatia for England, fans fumed on social media.The former Tottenham goalkeeper infamously missed a Gary Neville backpass when trying to clear while playing for the Three Lions.Seeing Pears’ mistake, one fan wrote: “He’s moving like Paul Robinson.”While a second added: “Is your goalie a Paul Robinson regen?”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA third claimed: “Got to be one of the greatest own goals of all time.”And another added: “There’s no way he turned around the blamed the defender.”Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away Having seen his team lose to Blackburn last week, one Leeds fan fumed: “Nice of Aynsley Pears to do this every weekend except when he comes to Elland Road, where he channels his inner Buffon.”While a second moaned: “Absolutely, he has made a right pair of clangers today, has a worldie against us, typical.”With Wednesday fighting for their Championship lives, fans of their relegation rivals were also fuming with Pears.One wrote: “I give up.”While a second cried: “We’re doomed.”Pears began his career with Middlesbrough, going on to play 25 times for his boyhood club.During this time he broke into the England youth set-up, earning two caps for the Under-19s.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2020 he joined Blackburn, for whom he has gone on to make 60 appearances.Following their 3-1 win, Sheffield Wednesday climbed out of the relegation zone, moving a point clear of Birmingham and to within one of 20th placed Plymouth Argyle and two of today’s opponents Blackburn.Paul Robinson endured a moment to forget against CroatiaCredit: Sky SportsPears was left gutted after his mistakeCredit: X/SkyFootball More

SATURDAY’S Championship game between Rotherham and Birmingham was suspended for nearly 40 minutes due to a medical emergency in the crowd.The bottom-of-the-table clash saw Brum travel to already-relegated Rotherham looking to secure their own second-tier safety.Rotherham vs Birmingham was suspended after a fan suffered a medical emergency in the standsCredit: GettyBut just eight minutes in, with the game at 0-0, the ref halted proceedings after being made away of an incident in the home stands.A supporter had sadly suffered a medical emergency in the crowd.And the official suspended play as medics rushed to help the stricken fan.After several minutes, players from both sides then left the field as the emergency in the stands continued.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRotherham tweeted: “A temporary pause in play for what appears to be a medical emergency in the crowd.”Another message added: “Players from both sides have been taken into the dressing rooms as the medical teams respond to the emergency. “Our best wishes to the person involved.”Birmingham also tweeted: “We’ll have a small break in play here owing to a supporter medical emergency. Sending our best wishes to those involved.”Most read in ChampionshipNearly 20 minutes after players left the field, Rotherham tweeted again to reveal the fan had been whisked to hospital.Both the supporter and medics at the scene received a standing ovation from the crowd.Rotherham said: “The supporter has now left the stadium with medical professionals. “We would like to thank everyone for their compassion and patience and it goes without saying that all our love and thoughts are with the casualty. “We would ask that the supporter’s privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”Another tweet confirmed the game would shortly recommence from the 11th minute, making for a 37 minute delay.It added: “The game will restart with the clock at 11 minutes at 3.45pm following a short warm up period for the two teams.”Another tweet thanked medics, reading: “We cannot put into words our gratitude to the paramedics, medical professionals and both sets of supporters for the incredibly compassionate way in which such a difficult situation has been handled. “Sincerely, from every single one of us at Rotherham United, thank you.”At half-time, Rotherham then released an official club statement on the incident.It read: “Everyone at Rotherham United would like to place on-record our sincere thanks to the paramedics, medical professionals and both sets of supporters for the professionalism and compassion which was displayed throughout the medical emergency at AESSEAL New York Stadium this afternoon. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the supporter, who was taken to hospital from the stadium after being treated on-site by medical support from St. John’s Ambulance and the respective doctors of both clubs. “In unimaginably difficult circumstances it was incredible to see allegiances on the pitch put aside and the efforts of the medical professionals and support staff receive the commendation that they deserved from everyone inside AESSEAL New York Stadium. “We now ask that the supporter’s privacy is respected during this time.”The match was Steve Evans’ first back in the Rotherham dugout after quitting Stevenage last week.He previously managed them between April 2012 and September 2015.And Evans’ first task will be to lead Rotherham back to the Championship following Leam Richardson’s sacking.Rotherham have won just four games all season, leaving them 22 points off safety.As for Birmingham, they are only out of the drop zone thanks to their superior goal difference over Huddersfield.But with a game in hand, they will be eager to avoid relegation to League One after a dismal season which has seen them go through SIX managers.John Eustace started the season in charge before being brutally sacked for Wayne Rooney.Wazza then lasted just 15 games before Steve Spooner took charge of one match as interim boss.READ MORE SUN STORIESTony Mowbray was then hired as boss but was forced to step away due to a health issue.Mark Venus went into the dugout for the next six matches, with former manager Gary Rowett now in charge until the end of the season. More