Barker Deal BitesThe Dust

Derby County have today announced the signing of Blackpool defender Shaun Barker.

Barker has been a long term target of NFFC and make no mistake, his signing for the Mutton Molestors hurts. It would be nice to say that we weren't really interested in the 26 year old centre half, but who would we be kidding? He was a target and he would have gone along way to making what was the worst defence in the Championship last year, look a little more solid.

The one thing that really sticks in the throat, is Barker's reason for signing for the Sheep. He told the BBC. "I took a bit of time and to be honest I thought Derby wanted me more." That quote asks a few questions, like what the hell were we playing at? Maybe the club has a "blow yer socks off signing" lined up, but don't hold your breath on that one. At this moment in time, we've definitely been kicked and we need a lift.

So we move onto the next one (hopefully two CH's) and the next one is Matthew Mills at Doncaster. We face some stiff competition for his services from Middlesbrough and the Reds' can't aford to miss out on this one. They have to get the deal done.

This isn't going to make Billy Davies a happy wee man either. He was apoplectic at the sight of Robbie Savage running round the City Ground pitch last season, waving a Sheep scarf. God only knows what this will do to him. One things for sure, he'll be making a hasty retreat from Albufeira, where the team are on a training trip. Keep you eyes on the skies this afternoon, because that plane heading at breakneck speed for East Midlands Airport has Billy Davies on it and he 'aint a happy chappy.

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