Documentary Chronicling Former Derby County Captain Shaun Barker’s Four-Year Injury Rehabilitation Now on Release

Shaun Barker: One More Time, a feature-length documentary about former Derby County captain Shaun Barker, is now released on DVD and Blu-Ray. Chronicling the horrific knee injury suffered by Barker whilst playing for Derby County against local rivals Nottingham Forest on March 13th 2012 and his subsequent four-and-a-half year rehabilitation, all profits from the film are going to The Shaun Barker Foundation.

Barker (34), signed for Derby County in July 2009 whilst the club was still managed by Nigel Clough. After quickly becoming a fans’ favourite for his commanding defensive performances, Barker’s time at the club was overshadowed by spells out injured. Often playing through the pain, Barker developed a reputation as a player that put his body on the line for Derby County, sacrificing his own personal wellbeing for the benefit of the club.

His career-threatening injury came in a collision with Derby County goalkeeper Frank Fielding as both came out to clear a ball. The collision snapped his kneecap and ruptured his medial, anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligaments; in the defender’s own words, his leg “was only hanging on by the skin”. His surgeon admitted it was the worst knee injury he had ever seen.

Despite being told he would never play again, Barker spent three years in gruelling rehabilitation sessions, before miraculously making a comeback for the Derby County Under 21s in 2015. Although Barker declared himself fit for a return to first team action, new Derby County manager Steve McClaren didn’t play him for Derby County again.

Shaun Barker: One More Time director Ashley Carter, a lifelong Derby County fan, is keen to show all sides of Shaun Barker’s personality, and shed light on a period of his career that Derby County fans might not know all the facts about, “since meeting Shaun in 2015, it’s clear that he isn’t like other footballers, and the players we’ve interviewed for the film constantly talked about how influential and inspirational he is off the pitch as well as on it. What he went through on a personal and professional level is astounding, and to still be looking to play professional football again is remarkable.”

The feature-length documentary includes interviews with key figures from Derby County’s history, as well as Shaun’s time at the club, including Nigel Clough, Jake Buxton, Craig Bryson, Roy McFarland, Roger Davies, Mel Morris, Seth Johnson and an introduction from Hollywood star Jack O’Connell.

As well as looking back on Barker’s career, the film will also examine some of the misconceptions football fans have about the post-playing careers of professional footballers, particularly those playing at lower levels, “I think everyone would agree that professional footballers live a dream life, but there’s something intrinsically tragic about being forced to stop doing the thing you’ve devoted your entire life to your prime. A lot of people think that footballers are financially set for life once they’ve hung their boots up, but it’s a big myth. That’s only the top players,” Carter added.

The film has received praise from various figures in the football world, including legendary Match of the Day commentator John Motson, who said, “Shaun Barker: One More Time is an excellent film that links Derby County’s fortunes with Barker’s career really well. It provides an insight into a footballer’s life, especially during a time of serious injury, which is rarely covered.”

Former Derby County player and caretaker manager Chris Powell added, “Shaun Barker is a simply remarkable person and this documentary provides an excellent insight into his life, underlining his astonishing character as he battles back from a shocking injury. I’m not surprised to see him back in the game at Burton Albion. He is one of a kind.”

Following a sold out premiere at the QUAD Cinema in Derby earlier in the year, Shaun Barker: One More Time is now available to buy on DVD (£9.99) and Blu-Ray (£12.99) from www.shaunbarkeronemoretime.com. As with the previous screenings, all profits from sales will go to The Shaun Barker Foundation, which provides creative workshops for underprivileged young people in the East Midlands area.

Director’s Notes – Ashley Carter

1. Ashley Carter is a writer and documentary maker based in Nottingham.  Having trained at the prestigious National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield, Shaun Barker: One More Time in his second film after short documentary Eudaimonia.  Having previously written for the Nottingham Post, he is the Screen Editor of Nottingham culture magazine LeftLion.  Ashley is currently studying an MA in Documentary Journalism at Nottingham Trent University. 

Shaun Barker

The Shaun Barker Foundation

“In early 2015 The Shaun Barker Foundation was set up with the aim to help as many people in the Derby area. An aim to help underprivileged children was as the forefront of it all. Although we are in the early stages, the response and support received has been overwhelming and we are beginning to create an exciting charity that will help raise money and awareness for three key areas Shaun had chosen: Arts and Culture, Social Care and Sports in the Community.”

Full list of interviewees for Shaun Barker: One More Time

Full quotes of support for Shaun Barker: One More Time

“Shaun Barker: One More Time is an excellent film that links Derby County’s fortunes with Barker’s career really well.  It provides an insight into a footballer’s life, especially during a time of serious injury, which is rarely covered.” 

John Motson, Match of the Day

“I really enjoyed watching One More Time.  Shaun Barker is a simply remarkable person and this documentary provides an excellent insight into his life, underlining his astonishing character as he battles back from a shocking injury.  I’m not surprised to see him back in the game at Burton Albion.  He is one of a kind.”

Chris Powell, former Derby County player and caretaker manager

“A powerful biopic…a story of grit and determination that brilliantly portrays the power of the human will to triumph over disaster.  This is a film every young aspiring footballer should see.”

Guillem Balague, Sky Sports

“A terrific production... it brought back all the emotions of what it meant to be a Derby County player.  The introduction from Jack O’Connell is so true to form as a Rams supporter.”

Alan Durban, former Derby County player

“An inspirational film about an old-school defender who refused to give up.”

Steve Bould, Arsenal FC assistant manager

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