Charlie Mel Barker (born 12 February 2003) is an English footballer who plays as a defender for club Crawley Town.
Career
Charlton Athletic Barker made his senior debut for Charlton on 1 September 2020 in a 2–1 EFL Trophy defeat to AFC Wimbledon. In response to Barker's senior Charlton debut, manager Lee Bowyer said "I thought young Barker was outstanding, outstanding. He didn't put a foot wrong all night, in possession and out of possession".
In his second senior appearance, an EFL Cup tie against Swindon Town, he scored his first senior goal as his side won 3–1.
On 13 May 2023, it was announced that Barker would leave the club when his contract expired in June.
Wealdstone (loan) On 24 September 2021, Barker joined non-league Wealdstone on a month's youth loan. He made his debut in a 1–0 away win against Kings Lynn Town, and would go on to make three appearances for the club.
Hemel Hempstead Town (loan) On 1 September 2022, Barker joined Hemel Hempstead Town on loan until 1 January 2023.
On 28 October 2022, it was announced that Barker had been recalled early by Charlton Athletic.
Wealdstone (second loan) On the same day Barker was recalled from Hemel Hempstead Town, he made the switch back to Wealdstone until 1 January 2023. On 3 January 2023, the loan was extended until the end of the 2022–23 season.
Wealdstone On 30 June 2023, Barker joined Wealdstone on a permanent contract following the expiry of his deal at Charlton Athletic. On 25 November 2023, he scored his first goal for the club, heading in a 98th minute winner in a 3–2 victory over local rivals Barnet.
Crawley Town On 24 June 2024, Barker signed for newly promoted League One club Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal. He scored his first goal for Crawley in an EFL Trophy tie against Brighton & Hove Albion U21s on 20 August 2024. Despite the 2024–25 season ending in disappointment with relegation, Barker was named Crawley Town Player of the Season.
Personal life He is the son of former professional footballer and manager Richie Barker.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsCharlton Athletic2020–21League One30102130912021–22League One00000010102022–23League One0000001010Charlton Athletic total30102150111Wealdstone (loan)2021–22National League3000—0030Hemel Hempstead Town (loan)2022–23National League South 7010—0080Wealdstone (loan)2022–23National League290——10300Wealdstone2023–24National League43210—30472Crawley Town2024–25League One3911020314522025–26League Two4311010204712026–27League Two6000200080Crawley Town total8822050511003Career total173450711411996
Honours Individual Crawley Town Player of the Season: 2024–25
References
External links