Sheffield Wednesday are saddened to learn of the passing of our former assistant manager Richie Barker, aged 80.
Richie joined the Owls as number two to Ron Atkinson in February 1989, moving to Hillsborough from Luton.
He was a major influence as Atkinson’s side bounced back from an unlikely top flight relegation in 1990 to win immediate promotion a year later, whilst lifting the League Cup and playing a hugely entertaining brand of football along the way.
Richie assisted Atkinson’s successor Trevor Francis for Wednesday before switching to a role of Director of Football Development.
He departed S6 to link up with Francis at Birmingham in 1996.
Prior to his coaching career, the Loughborough product played for Derby, Notts County and Peterborough.
After injury forced an early retirement on the field, he would move off it to manage Shrewsbury, Stoke, Notts County, Ethnikos Piraeus (Greece), Zamalek (Egypt) and West Brom.
Our thoughts are with Richie’s family and friends at this difficult time.