“I’ve been thinking about it for a few years,” said Barker. “But after we won our second championship the decision was easy to make. I wanted to end my career on a positive note, and what better way to do it than by winning the championship. I owe a lot to the Impact. The team gave me my first chance. I have had exceptional years with this club and have made extraordinary friends.”
Team management confirmed that Barker will remain with the team as assistant coach to Nick DeSantis. He will complete the coaching staff with Peter Pinizzotto and Youssef Dahha, who have been with the club since November 2003.
“For a few seasons now, I’ve been the bridge between players and coaches,” added Barker. “I will play a similar role but with a different title. I’m really happy to have won in Montreal as a player, now I would like to win as coach.”
“Lloyd has been a great asset to this team over the years,” said head coach Nick DeSantis. “There are not a lot of players like him. He was an exceptional athlete. As coach, he will continue to bring positive energy to the dressing room. He also knows the players and teams in this league very well. His experience will be of great help, especially with our young players.”
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Barker began his pro career in 1988 in the Canadian Soccer League with the Ottawa Intrepid. He was a member of the inaugural edition of the Montreal Impact in 1993 and was part of the starting eleven who won the championship in 1994.
He was the Impact’s second leading scorer in 1994, 1995 and 1997 and was named team MVP in 1995, scoring 10 goals and six assists. In 1998, Barker was almost paralysed following a serious neck injury at an indoor soccer game when he played for the Edmonton Drillers. In 2000, while playing for Toronto, he was moved from the forward position to defender, which gave a new impetus to his career when he returned with the Impact in 2001.
On the international scene, Barker played in the Jamaican first division with Harbour View FC and won the championship in 1994. He also played 18 games with the Jamaican national team.
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Source : Patrick Vallée
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
