CHRIS Barker came very close' to joining Colchester United on a permanent basis at the end of last season.

The consistent full-back impressed for the U's on loan from Cardiff City last season in their inaugural Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

And he almost put pen to paper on a permanent switch to Layer Road.

But instead he moved to Queens Park Rangers, where he is flourishing under new manager Luigi De Canio.

And Barker is ready to plunge his former club deeper into relegation trouble when Rangers entertain Geraint Williams' side at Loftus Road on Saturday.

Barker told the Gazette: "I was very close to signing for Colchester.

"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."