Rotherham United FC

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• Manager:Ronnie Moore

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Injury ends Barker's career

29 May 2009 - 11:51:47

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Veteran Rotherham United striker Richie Barker has been forced to retire from the game due to a long-standing knee problem.

The 33-year-old has not featured for the Millers since January, having only rejoined the club from Hartlepool United in October.

Chief operating officer Paul Douglas told the club's official website: "Richie had a very rare knee condition. He had a medical when he arrived and he passed it, but his complaint was very unusual.

"It was a wear and tear injury around the knee joint and it manifested itself very quickly in terms of damage.

"The surgeon advised him that he risked permanent damage if he tried to get back to the level of fitness required of a professional footballer so, with regret, Richie has had to call it a day."