Jack Barnes

John Benjamin Barnes (28 April 1908 – 1 April 2008) was an English footballer who played as an outside left for several Football League clubs, as well as for non-League side Atherstone Town.

Early life Born in Atherstone, Warwickshire, Barnes left school at 12, to help provide for his family. He worked in various coal mines, as well as a bakery. His football career began as an amateur for Atherstone Town. He signed on professional terms for Coventry City in March 1928.

Professional career Barnes played eight consecutive games for Coventry at the end of the 1927–28 season. One of these matches—a 2–2 draw with Crystal Palace—was the lowest attendance in Coventry's history, attracting 2,059 spectators. After being confined to Coventry's reserves the following season, Barnes joined Walsall in June 1929. In July 1931 he joined Watford, managed by Neil McBain. After 83 games and 11 goals for the Vicarage Road based club, he was transfer listed for an asking price of £300, before eventually joining Exeter City for a third of that figure. Barnes rejoined first club Atherstone Town as an amateur in 1935.