The 13th March 2012 will be a date most of us will not remember, but it was a day Shaun Barker will never forget. A collision with and awkward fall with Rams keeper Frank Fielding and Nottingham Forest stricker Marcus Tudgay, left Barker in agony on the floor and facing months of surgery and years of rehabilitation.
The injury was so bad that there were thoughts he may not even walk again, never mind return to football. Barker has a strength of mind that most people don't have and he full expected not only to walk but return to first class football. It came as somewhat as a shock then this morning after he was told he would be released by the club during the summer.
Barker wanted the chance to prove he could still maintain the fitness and quality of football demanded by the Championship but after three long years the decision was made to part company with the 32 year-old. Sad, as most supporters wanted to see Barks, if not permanently in the team, then a final fairwell at the Ipro.
He now looks forward to a new challenge in his life and fully expects to gain a place in some Championship squad for next season. Barks spent a while toward the end of the season with former boss Nigel Clough at Sheffield United, and with them in this season's play-offs, who knows if Barker will be back to face the Rams in just a few months time.
Everyone at Derby County Mad wishes him all the best in his future career...