Barker almost opted for Us
Colchester old boy Chris Barker admits he came very close to joining the Us on a permanent basis before opting to sign for QPR over the summer.
The left-back enjoyed a hugely-successful season on loan at Layer Road and was poised to agree a switch from Cardiff when QPR, and then manager John Gregory, came calling.
"I was very close to signing for Colchester," Barker told the Gazette ahead of the Us' trip to Loftus Road on Saturday.
"They were interested but I spoke to John Gregory and he sold me the club. I wanted to take them forward and although John has gone now, the takeover has meant that we're progressing.
"I was at Colchester for eight months and it was fantastic - I'm very surprised that they're in the bottom three.
"I hope they can stay out of trouble and the ideal thing for me would be to see both clubs stay up at the end of the season. I have a lot of respect for Geraint Williams and the Colchester fans."
