Forest Green Rovers coach and former Plymouth Argyle player dies at 39

Forest Green Rovers Academy coach and former Plymouth Argyle defender Chris Barker has died at the age of 39.

He had been at Nailsworth's Forest Green Rovers as the Lead Professional Development Phase Coach and under-18s manager.

In 2008 he signed for Argyle on an emergency loan from Queens Park Rangers, before signing a three-year contract the following week.

From 2016 he carried out a stint at National League South side Weston-super-Mare as player/assistant manager to boss Scott Bartlett.

Forest Green Rovers released this statement:

You can see the full tribute on the Club's website.

Forest Green Rovers Academy coach and former Plymouth Argyle defender Chris Barker has died at the age of 39. Credit: Forest Green Rovers

Messages are being left for the 39-year-old on social media.

His sports management company, World in Motion, described his death as an "untimely and tragic passing".