The Albion FC

Barker: Under fire

Jade Barker defended his decision to make a 14 minute road journey to Albion’s cup match against AFC Putney.

The Albion boss and his players made the short journey between The Alex pub and The Avenue end changing rooms by car last weekend. The journey was deemed an “absurd extravagance” and an “ostentatious display of the club’s and players wealth” by pundits within the game.

Barker has been forced to deny that the unusual travel arrangements were not to blame for Albion falling 3-1 behind to their opponents after they had been reduced to 10 men.

Barker said: “We considered all transport options and this one was judged to be the best. It can be a long walk from Clapham South especially if you’re a bit hungover. And besides there was a bit of drizzle in the air.”

Barker though found himself mired in further controversy regarding the route he took the Albion convoy. Seemingly a straightforward journey along The Avenue to the changing rooms, the Albion supremo’s preferred path led the procession of cars through the suburbs of Kingston. It was only after passing The Bedford that the team eventually arrived at their destination: “It was shortcut,” said Barker.