Yeovil Town have announced the signing of Jos Barker, formerly of Walton and Hersham, on a deal lasting two years.
The 22-year old goalkeeper kept more than 20 clean sheets for the Swans as they won Southern League Premier Division South title to book a place in the National League South for the first time next season.
He becomes the third former Walton player to join former manager Billy Rowley at Huish Park following additions of midfielders Mason Obeng and Johl Powell in recent days and takes the new arrivals at the club up to six with defender Archie Davies, midfielder Zain Westbrooke and striker Stephen Walker.
Speaking to the club’s social media, Barker said: “This is a much bigger club to the ones I am used to, it is a much better league and a league I want to test myself at, I think it is a level I can play it. Overall the size of the club was a massive draw for me.
“Already having relationships with Mason (Obeng) and Johl (Powell) is a massive bonus, and knowing Bill and the way he wants to play and what he wants to see from me is also a massive help. I am excited to play with those boys again and I am excited to work under Bill again.
“I am 22, so a young goalkeeper. I have never played full-time football or been in any academy set ups, I have come through non-League football, so the idea of full-time football really appealed to me.
“I think I will get so much better with (full-time coaching) and with Matt (Gould, the Glovers’ goalkeeping coach) helping me through that, I feel like I can compete at this level and hopefully by the end of the season everyone will see that as well and by the end of the season hopefully we can look back at a positive season.
“You always want to be at a club which is competitive and Yeovil want play-offs and I think I can help contribute towards that. Throughout the two years, promotion is going to be the end goal and that is one of the big things Bill spoke to me about. That is my main goal for the two years here.”
He joined from Knaphill and quickly established himself as the number 1 between the sticks at Walton, and was named Supporters’ player of the season for the 2024/25 campaign.
He has represented England at University Level from his time at Chichester University and in December 2024 even found time to score a goal for Walton to secure a last gasp comeback.
A goal scoring, goalkeeper at Huish Park? Sounds familiar!
Here is the 40 yard screamer in question 👍 pic.twitter.com/JuE2ml8iKk
— Jos Barker (@JosBarker1) December 14, 2024
Maybe a gem but feel we should have tried harder to get Jed.
I’ve nothing to go on – no insider knowledge but perhaps we haven’t given up on Jed just yet? Maybe this season we’ll have two keepers with a loanee to come in as a shop window for him. Barker may need time to adjust to pro football and is one for cups, after Christmas, and beyond? We shall see….
I think the same
Jed was always going to be gone. Future Bristol City or Rovers GK?
Used to be Yeovil and Petters, now it Yeovil and Hersham 🤔🤔
Carling still back of short sponsor… couldn’t we have asked Thatchers again? Or some kind of craft brewer? Belgian or German wheat beer is 10/10! Erdinger…Hoegaarden.
Somerset makes quality cider, Carling makes you want to spit it back out again when you try and drink!