Quick Facts
AquariusBiography
Charlie Mel Barker (born 12 February 2003) is an English footballer who plays as a defender for EFL League One club Crawley Town.
Career
Charlton Athletic
Barker made his senior debut for Charlton on 1 September 2020 in a 2–1 EFL Trophy defeat to AFC Wimbledon. In response to Barker's senior Charlton debut, manager Lee Bowyer said "I thought young Barker was outstanding, outstanding. He didn't put a foot wrong all night, in possession and out of possession".
In his second senior appearance, an EFL Cup tie against Swindon Town, he scored his first senior goal as his side won 3–1.
On 13 May 2023, it was announced that Barker would leave the club when his contract expired in June.
Wealdstone (loan)
On 24 September 2021, Barker joined non-league Wealdstone on a month's youth loan. He made his debut in a 1–0 away win against Kings Lynn Town, and would go on to make three appearances for the club.
Hemel Hempstead Town (loan)
On 1 September 2022, Barker joined Hemel Hempstead Town on loan until 1 January 2023.
On 28 October 2022, it was announced that Barker had been recalled early by Charlton Athletic.
Wealdstone (second loan)
On the same day Barker was recalled from Hemel Hempstead Town, he made the switch back to Wealdstone until 1 January 2023. On 3 January 2023, the loan was extended until the end of the 2022–23 season.
Wealdstone
On 30 June 2023, Barker joined Wealdstone on a permanent contract following the expiry of his deal at Charlton Athletic.
Crawley Town
On 24 June 2024, Barker signed for newly promoted League One club Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal. He scored his first goal for Crawley in an EFL Trophy tie against Brighton & Hove Albion U21s on 20 August 2024.
Personal life
He is the son of former professional footballer and manager Richie Barker.
Career statistics
- As of match played 3 December 2024
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Charlton Athletic | 2020–21 | League One | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 1 |
| 2021–22 | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2022–23 | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Charlton Athletic total | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 11 | 1 | ||
| Wealdstone (loan) | 2021–22 | National League | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| Hemel Hempstead Town (loan) | 2022–23 | National League South | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | |
| Wealdstone (loan) | 2022–23 | National League | 29 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | 30 | 0 | ||
| Wealdstone | 2023–24 | National League | 43 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | 47 | 2 | |
| Crawley Town | 2024–25 | League One | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 1 |
| Career total | 96 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 116 | 4 | ||