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Former Plymouth Argyle defender Chris Barker has died at the age of 39.

Barker had been working as the lead professional development phase coach at League Two club Forest Green Rovers.

World in Motion, the sports management agency who represented Barker throughout his 18-year career, tweeted on Thursday morning: "It is with great sadness that we learn of the untimely and tragic passing at the age of 39 of Chris Barker.

"Chris was a client throughout his outstanding playing career of over 500 League games for clubs including Barnsley, Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle.

"Moreover, Chris was a wonderful person, an absolute gentleman and a pleasure to work for."

South Wales Police also issued the following statement: “Police can confirm the sudden death of a 39 year-old man who was discovered at his home address in the Cyncoed area of Cardiff at approximately 2pm on New Year's Day.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious and the Coroner has been informed.”

Barker signed for Argyle on an emergency loan from Queens Park Rangers in August 2008.

That enabled him to make his debut for the Pilgrims on the same day, in a season-opening 2-2 Championship draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Home Park.

Barker went on to sign a three-year contract with Paul Sturrock’s Pilgrims the following week.

He went on to make a total of 52 starts and six substitute appearances over the next two seasons, either as a left-back or in central defence.

Barker did not figure in the first team plans of Peter Reid after he took over as Argyle manager in the summer of 2010.

That led to the defender signing for Southend United, initially on a one-month loan before making it a permanent move at the end of August.

Barker spent the next three seasons at Southend, becoming their captain, before finishing his professional career at Aldershot Town.

He was twice player-of-the-year at Aldershot and also had a spell as their caretaker boss, before moving on to Hereford FC and then Weston-Super-Mare, where he was player/assistant manager.

Argyle issued a statement this morning which read: "Plymouth Argyle is deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of former Pilgrim Chris Barker.

"Barks, 39, represented Argyle between 2008-2010, making over 50 Championship appearances for the Greens.



"A hugely respected figure in the Home Park dressing room, Chris captained the side and was a vital component of Paul Sturrock’s team at either left or centre-back.

"We send the condolences from everyone at Home Park, and further afield, to the family and friends of Chris."

Tributes have also been paid to Barker by many former team-mates or those who played against him on social media this morning.