English footballer
Leonard Barber (3 July 1929 – February 1988) was an English footballer who played as a forward for Port Vale in the Football League. He played a minor role in the club's Third Division North title-winning campaign in 1953–54.
Career
Barber played for Bury before joining Port Vale in June 1947.[1] He made five Third Division South appearances for Gordon Hodgson's "Valiants" in 1949–50, and scored his first senior goal on 29 October, in a 3–0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at The Old Recreation Ground.[1] He played 14 games at the end of the 1950–51 season, scoring seven goals.[1] He would have had a higher goal ratio if it wasn't for misfortune, as during a game against Crystal Palace on 9 April 1951, he managed to score four goals. However, the game was abandoned after an hour's play due to excessive mud.[3] It was speculated that Barber's natural ability to play in thick mud would have earned him even more goals during that particular game.[3] He made 18 appearances in 1951–52, but only found the net twice.[1] He played eight games in 1953–54, scoring two goals, as Freddie Steele's side won the Third Division North title.[1] He featured twice in the Second Division in 1954–55, before he left Vale Park and was transferred to Cheshire County League side Northwich Victoria in July 1955.[1] He later signed for Wellington Town.[1]
Post-retirement
Barber went on to run a pub called 'The Labour in Vain' in Milton, Staffordshire.[4]
Career statistics
Source:[5]
Honours
Port Vale
References