This was news I wasn't expecting today. I spoke to him on a non footballing matter he's helping me with at lunchtime and there was no hint from him of any such news but I'll have the opportunity to congratulate him next week when I have a meeting with him.
I'm delighted he's taken up this position on the board but I'm far more delighted that he's able to tell us his health issues are under control and that he's able to commit to a front line role again with the club.
He said: "Mike put the proposal to me to become vice chairman and I think we will dovetail nicely. I think it was an ideal fit, and we work well as a team.
"I suppose it is a little strange going from chairman to board member to vice chairman but times move on and shareholdings change. However, this club is right next to my heart and I will do whatever needs doing in whatever the role demands of me."
Chairman Mike Garlick said after confirming the appointment. "Barry is a man well respected throughout the footballing world and the local community and he was the obvious choice in selecting a vice chairman.
"He also provides an able deputy and would be able to stand in immediately should I get run over by a double decker bus, but, in all seriousness, I have worked with Barry now for nine years and in that time I feel we understand and complement each other's strengths and weaknesses very well."
Garlick added: "It's wonderful news that he is on the road to recovery following his well documented health score and I look forward to him continuing his active role in taking the club back to where we all want to be, the Premier League."