Oyston Adamant On Barker 'Pool Stay

Chairman Karl Oyston has today spoken of his desire to keep club captain Shaun Barker at the club.

This comes after Blackpool rejected an offer from Derby County, believed to be around £400k and rising to half a million with add-on clauses.

Rams manager Nigel Clough has made no secret of wanting the central defender, who has also been attracting the interest of other Championship rivals in the close season.

In the meantime at least, Oyston remains intent on keeping The Seasiders' prize asset at the back.

'We have turned down a bid from Derby for Shaun Barker,' said Oyston.
'We are just not interested in talking to them at all. We have told them that it is not acceptable.'

Derby actually finished below Tony Parkes' team at the end of the season, but whilst they still operate with huge parachute payments (following their relegation from the Premiership last season) the Pride Park club can offer much more for players.

And this extra cash is probably in Karl Oyston's thinking, but for now he added: 'Now we have a new manager, it is vitally important that we keep our better players together and players that are fundamental to where we have got and keeping us in here.

'I am hoping Shaun will be here next season.'

I don't think we've seen the last of this story, with Bristol City boss Gary Johnson hailing Barker as the best defender in the division last season.

Many clubs will have had the Nottingham-born man watched, and the club - despite Ian Holloway's appointment - could have a job on their hands keeping 'Reggie' at the club. Cashing in before his contract expires next season could be paramount.

For the very latest Championship odds

For massive weekly jackpots - Play the Football Pools Online

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.