Having spoken to a few players on the circuit at the time, having seen what has been written by respected cricket journalists and the usual rumour mill from players and coaches involved at the club; I think like most moves, there wasn’t just one single reason why Barker moved on.
I’ve always understood that he wanted to stay, however, he wasn’t happy with both the offer and how it was handled. So once he made his decision that he was willing to leave, that it was a case of he’d only leave if he could go down south. When it became apparent that not only was he able to move south but the offer was better and Hampshire clearly wanted him, it was an easy decision.
The problem is, players move for a number of reasons, but in a career that is hardly secure, being wanted and being treated well is a massive thing. And we just don’t seem to be able to convince players to stay, based on how much we want them. That’s made worse often but how much the club chased shiny new targets, and players can see the difference in treatment.
People talk a lot about loyalty in professional sport expecting it of players, but more and more clubs don’t return it either. And I’m concerned we’re becoming a club of mercenaries, rather than a club of players passionate about the badge, not just the name on the back.