out of place in the higher tier as he helped the Blades to promotion to the First Division at the first time of asking, securing a runners-up spot in the league. He also aided the club in consolidating their position in the top tier as it evolved to become the Premier League. Injuries aside, Barnes was virtually ever-present for two seasons but fell out of favour with manager Dave Bassett who tried unsuccessfully to sell him to Bristol City. Barnes was also unhappy with his playing terms, initially rejecting a new contract in 1992. Having lost his place in the side, he was finally transferred to Watford in January 1994 with the Blades recouping the £50,000 they paid for him. He left Bramall Lane after four-and-a-half years having played 82 league matches and 107 games in all competitions. Watford A move to Watford allowed Barnes to make a fresh start in the south, but his time with the club was not fruitful, managing just 16 games over two seasons with the Hornets. Suffering from niggling injuries, a run of five consecutive matches for the club in February to March 1996 was the most Barnes could manage, and he was eventually released in 1996 as Watford were relegated to the Third Division. Colchester United Barnes' former Aldershot teammate Steve Wignall brought him to Layer Road in 1996, on a free transfer following his release from Watford in August 1996, making his debut the following day in a 2–0 home reverse against Hartlepool United. He played eleven times for the U's over the course of eight months, but was unable to shake off a persistent groin injury. Barnes was forced into retirement at the age of 35 in March 1997 when he had his contract cancelled by mutual consent, having played his last professional game in a 1–1 draw with Mansfield Town on 14 December 1996. International career While with Coventry City, Barnes played for the England under-19 team, featuring in the 1980 UEFA Junior Tournament winning team. Honours Club Wolverhampton Wanderers 1986–87 Football League Fourth Division play-off runner-up (level 4) Sheffield United 1989–90 Football League Second Division runner-up (level 2) International England U19 1980 UEFA Junior Tournament winner All honours referenced by: References External links 1961 births Living people Footballers from Paddington English footballers Association football fullbacks Coventry City F.C. players Ipswich Town F.C. players Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. players Aldershot F.C.