It’s with deep regret and remorse that we learned of the passing of Craig Barker yesterday.

South Wales Police have confirmed the sudden death of a 39-year-old man who was discovered at his home address in the Cyncoed area of Cardiff at about 14:00 GMT on 1 January.

They added that the death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.

The news first broke on Facebook through his agent and then filtered through to Twitter. ShotsWeb has seen some lovely tributes for a man who was so liked not just at ATFC but at every club he was involved with.

We will probably never know the circumstances behind Chris’ passing, but if you or anyone you know may be struggling, please, please speak to someone. One person taking their own life is one too many.

In all, Barker made over 500 Football League appearances in an 18-year career playing for the likes of Barnsley, Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle.

After leaving Aldershot in 2016, he went on to play for Hereford and Weston-super-Mare.

The passing of the former Shots defender was announced in a club statement on Thursday.