Joe Barker at Bideford AFC
Appledore manager Keith Shapland says Joe Barker can succeed with Bideford in Southern League Premier.
APPLEDORE manager Keith Shapland believes striker Joe Barker has the ability and hunger to succeed in the Southern League with Bideford.
The 16-goal hitman has helped Appledore to eighth in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Division One East and caught the eye of Bideford manager Sean Joyce in the process. He was named among the substitutes in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Leamington and Shapland has wished his man all the best going forward.
Sean obviously noticed Joe and, quite rightly, he has earned the chance to play at a higher level. "For me and the club we can't knock that because it is great for the lad. Time will tell (whether he can make it in the Southern League) but he has got the hunger and certainly got the ability. It has been great having him here as he is a great lad and I wish him all the best."
Bideford have been desperately short of goals this season, former Barnstaple Town man Billy Tucker leads the scoring charts with five strikes, while Kevin Squire is their leading league marksman with just four goals.
Joyce said: "Young Joe is chomping at the bit to get on there – he is desperate to show what he can do. He will get his chance, we have got 21 games in 14 weeks so he has to be patient and bide his time but he will get his chance."