Simon Barker has emerged as one of football’s most influential administrators within the Professional Footballers’ Association.
Barker had performed the PFA players’ delegate role at Ewood, long before he joined the players’ union at their Manchester HQ fourteen years ago.
So it seemed a natural progression for the 49-year-old whose task includes managing contractual and disciplinary issues between players and clubs, educating and assisting them on issues that affect their careers, including anti-doping, agents, pensions, insurance and retraining.
“Nothing beats playing, but in this role I can put something back, helping the players of today and yesteryear,” said Barker.
“Many former players struggle with injury problems after their careers have finished and we help many of them with medical treatment, that they wouldn’t necessarily be able to afford without the help of the PFA Union.
“I see the PFA partly as a redistribution of wealth, helping players from a different generation who’ve never earned the money that the top players of today earn.”
Barker says it is about protecting their members’ rights in a football world unrecognizable from 20 years ago.
“That transition, from retiring as a player to finding a new career, can be a most difficult one,” he added.
“Some have issues with self-esteem, when suddenly their careers are over and the player has this big void in his life.
“It is how they cope. Some have struggled with financial problems, drink and depression, while some have gone to prison or even taken their own lives.
“It is about having the right support and educational networks in place to help assist them when they have to finish.
“I know what a great job the PFA does for all our members, and I’m lucky and proud to have worked for the union since retiring as a player.”
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