Phil Barnes

Philip Kenneth "Phil" Barnes (born 2 March 1979 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Matlock Town.
Having started his professional career with Rotherham United in 1996, he first made a name for himself as Blackpool's first choice goalkeeper from 1997 to 2004. He notched up 141 league appearances during his spell with the club which earned him a move to Sheffield United. Despite being primarily used as back-up to Paddy Kenny, Barnes was part of the United squad that earned promotion to the Premier League in 2006. Before this he had also spent time on loan with both Torquay United and Queens Park Rangers. Following The Blades promotion, Barnes signed with Grimsby Town where he remained for two years and was the Supporters Player of the Season for the 2007–08 season. Following a change in management and a drop in Grimsby's fortunes he was released a few weeks from the end of the following season and joined Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity for the final day of the season. In the summer he signed for Trinity on a permanent contract and remained with The Blues for two seasons before joining up with Alfreton Town in the summer of 2012. After a year with Alfreton, Barnes re-signed with Gainsborough. After moving from Gainsborough Barnes joined Harrogate Town for one season before joining Buxton FC in August 2015. After leaving Buxton FC in June 2016 he signed for Matlock Town.

Rotherham United

Barnes started his playing career with Rotherham United, making his debut against York City in April 1997. He made two appearances for Rotherham in total.

Blackpool

Barnes then made a move to Blackpool in August 1997 for a fee of £100,000, as cover for Steve Banks, but eventually made the position his own. Following Blackpool's relegation to Division Three in May 2000, Barnes signed a three-year contract keeping him at the club until the end of the 2002–03 season. He contributed a number of clean sheets to the Bloomfield Road club's promotion campaign, helping them to promotion to Division Two via the play-offs in May 2001. After losing his place in the first team, Barnes requested a transfer in November 2003. Having made 170 appearances in all competitions for Blackpool he left the club.

Sheffield United

He then joined Sheffield United on a free transfer in July 2004, signing a one-year contract, as cover for Paddy Kenny. A regular for the reserves but making just five first-team appearances, he also went out on loan spells at Torquay United and Queens Park Rangers. Barnes was part of the United squad that earned promotion to the Premier League in the 2005–06 campaign.

Grimsby Town

In June 2006, Barnes signed a three-year contract with Grimsby Town for an undisclosed fee, to replace Steve Mildenhall after his transfer to Yeovil Town. He was named the Grimsby Supporters' Player of the Year for 2007–08. At the end of the 2007–08 season, Barnes had made over 100 appearances in all competitions for Grimsby. Barnes started the 2008–09 season by being in the League Two Team of the Week, then he was in the team of the week again for his performance against Shrewsbury Town. Later in the season after getting a throat infection Mariners boss Mike Newell was forced to replace Barnes, and in turn swooped to sign on loan Preston North End keeper Wayne Henderson to replace him. Barnes was then made available for loan, and on 24 March, Newell rejected a loan move from Shrewsbury Town for him after the two clubs could not agree on a deal regarding wages. On 25 March, Barnes left Grimsby after being told he was no longer needed by the club, his understudy Gary Montgomery was also released. The Mariners saw out the 2008–09 campaign with Henderson and former Leeds United player Jonny Lund, as the clubs two professional keepers.

Gainsborough Trinity

Barnes linked up with Conference North outfit Gainsborough Trinity on a non-contract terms in April 2009 after the club needed an emergency goalkeeper to cover for the injured Adam Sollitt, making his debut in the final game of the 2008–09 season, a 3–2 victory over Harrogate Town. Trinity managed Steve Charles praised Barnes as he was given Man of the Match in the game, but commented signing Phil for the 2009–10 season was unlikely due to the players desire to play at a professional level. Despite this though, Barnes signed a permanent contract for the club on 9 June 2009 as well as the club signing Darryn Stamp on the same day. Barnes was joined at Trinity by a vast number of professionals as new chairman Peter Swann boosted the clubs finances to sign a higher calibre of players. Barnes would start the 2009–10 season off as the clubs number 1 keeper. The Blues appointed Brian Little as manager who in turn brought in former Premiership keeper Gavin Ward as his Assistant Manager and second choice keeper.

During the 2011–12 campaign a mid season injury sidelined Barnes for the remainder of the season. His understudy Andrew Pettinger was also forced on to the sidelines, with the club having to bring in Dimitar Evtimov from Nottingham Forest on loan before signing youngster Michael Emery to deputise. Before the end of the season Trinity brought in a new first choice keeper in Jason White meaning Barnes was not offered a new contract at the end of the 2011–12 season but instead was invited back to pre-season training to prove his fitness, however he declined the offer and left the club.

Alfreton Town and Return to Gainsborough

It was announced on 28 June 2012 that Barnes had joined Conference National side Alfreton Town. Initially used as Town's first choice keeper, the club chose to loan in Jon Stewart from Burnley, however when Stewart's loan expired in late December, Barnes regained the number 1 spot. Barnes played 18 times for the club and was released at the end of the season. On 23 May 2013 it was announced Barnes had re-signed for Gainsborough.

Harrogate Town

On 27 May 2014 Barnes joined Harrogate Town on a one-year deal.

Buxton FC

In August 2015 Barnes joined Buxton FC.

Matlock Town

In June 2016 Barnes Joined Matlock town.

Blackpool

• Division Three play-off final winner: 2000–01
• Football League Trophy winner: 2001–02, 2003–04

Grimsby Town

• Football League Trophy runner up: 2007–08
• Supporters Player of the Year: winner, 2008
• League Two Team of the Week 2008–09 x2

Sheffield United

• Football League Championship promoted: 2005–2006