Barker told how it was hard to leave Field Mill "It was hard to turn my back on that and come to a club with so much strength in depth where you are not certain of playing each week. But this club could be sitting in the Championship in two or three years time. I don't see any reason why that shouldn't be the aim. Hartlepool are in a bit of a transition period this season and there is a big squad here but I think we should be looking at playing in the next division up next year.
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"Whether that is through automatic promotion or the play–offs, it would be nice to be top three, I don't mind, but Hartlepool are the form team going into the second half of the season and if we manage to beat the sides round about us there is no doubt we can be playing in a higher division next season."
Barker was looking forward to making his mark at his new club"I felt that this club is going in the right direction."
"I am determined to win something before my career ends. I'm 31–years–old now and this is my chance to play in a successful team, to go and get a medal or play in a higher division.
"Two years ago this club were only 10 minutes away from the Championship and I think Hartlepool could be a Championship club.
"I did it a few years ago with Rotherham, going from League Two to the Championship in two years, so it can be done. Brighton have done it since and Colchester are probably a similar size to Hartlepool and they are currently in the top six in the Championship."