Len Barber
Encyclopedia
Leonard Barber (born 3 July 1929) is a former English
footballer.
before joining Port Vale
in June 1947. He spent seven seasons with the club and racked up 47 appearances and 12 goals – all in the league. 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, but the game was abandoned after an hour's play due to excessive mud
. It was speculated that Barber's natural ability to play in thick mud would have earned him even more goals during that particular game. He transferred to Northwich Victoria
in July 1955 and later signed for Wellington Town
.
called 'The Labour in Vain' in Milton, Staffordshire
.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
footballer.
Playing career
Barber played for BuryBury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
before joining Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
in June 1947. He spent seven seasons with the club and racked up 47 appearances and 12 goals – all in the league. He would have had a higher goal ratio if it wasn't for misfortune, as during a game against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
on 9 April 1951 he managed to score four goals, but the game was abandoned after an hour's play due to excessive mud
Mud
Mud is a mixture of water and some combination of soil, silt, and clay. Ancient mud deposits harden over geological time to form sedimentary rock such as shale or mudstone . When geological deposits of mud are formed in estuaries the resultant layers are termed bay muds...
. It was speculated that Barber's natural ability to play in thick mud would have earned him even more goals during that particular game. He transferred to Northwich Victoria
Northwich Victoria F.C.
Northwich Victoria Football Club are an English football club who play at the Victoria Stadium in Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system.Northwich are an old club, founded in 1874 and named in honour of...
in July 1955 and later signed for Wellington Town
Telford United F.C.
Telford United F.C. was an English football club based in Telford, Shropshire.The club existed under various names for a total of 132 years from its formation in 1872. The club was founder members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 and played at this level for 25 years before being wound up in...
.
Post-retirement
Barber went on to run a pubPublic house
A public house, informally known as a pub, is a drinking establishment fundamental to the culture of Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. There are approximately 53,500 public houses in the United Kingdom. This number has been declining every year, so that nearly half of the smaller...
called 'The Labour in Vain' in Milton, Staffordshire
Milton, Staffordshire
Milton is located in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, England. It is mainly situated between the A5009 and A53 roads. It shares its borders with Light Oaks, Baddeley Green, Sneyd Green, and Abbey Hulton....
.