FORMER Hereford FC player/coach Chris Barker has died aged 39.

Barker, originally from Sheffield, joined the Bulls at the start of the 2016/17  Southern League South & West title winning season.

During the October of the season Baker left to join Weston-super-Mare as a player/assistant manager before leaving and retiring from the game in July 2017.

The defender had a lengthy career which saw him play over 100 matches for Barnsley, Cardiff City and Southend United.

A statement from South Wales police said: “Police can confirm the sudden death of a 39 year-old man who was discovered at his home address in the Cyncoed area of Cardiff at approximately 2pm on New Year's Day.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.”