Mike Barrett (footballer)

Michael John Barrett (12 September 1959 – 14 August 1984) was an English professional footballer who played for Bristol Rovers from 1979 until his death in 1984.

Mike Barrett
Personal information
Full name Michael John Barrett
Date of birth (1959-09-12)12 September 1959
Place of birth Bristol, England
Date of death 14 August 1984(1984-08-14) (aged 24)
Place of death Bristol, England
Playing position(s) Winger
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1976–1979 Shirehampton Sports
1979–1984 Bristol Rovers 129 (18)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Early life

Barrett was born in Bristol and was a pupil at St Bede's Catholic College until 1978. After leaving school he had a trial with Bristol City, but was not offered a professional contract, leading him to play non-League football in Bristol for Shirehampton Sports.[1][2][3]

Footballing career

In 1979, he finally earned a chance with a Football League side when he was signed by Bristol Rovers, but it was some time before he established himself as a first team regular, making just three appearances in his first season with The Pirates. In all he played in 129 League games for Rovers, scoring 18 goals in his five seasons there.[1] During the 1983-1984 season he had the chance to move to Gillingham for a fee of £10000 but opted to stay at his local club [4]

Barrett had struggled with fitness during a training session in 1984, and after being taken to hospital for tests he was diagnosed with lung cancer.[5] He died just two weeks later on 14 August 1984 at the age of 24,[4] six weeks before the birth of his son, Liam. Rovers played two testimonial matches for him that autumn, against Aston Villa and his previous team Shirehampton Sports.[1]

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References
  1. Jay, Mike; Byrne, Stephen (1994). Pirates in Profile: A Who's Who of Bristol Rovers Players. Bristol: Potten, Baber & Murray. p. 18. ISBN 0-9524835-0-5.
  2. "Mike Barrett". Post War English & Scottish Football League A - Z Player's Transfer Database. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  3. "Bristol football club appeal for floodlights". Bristol Post. 19 June 2009. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  4. The Times, 15 August 1984, p20
  5. Jay, Mike; Haddrell, Ian (2014). Harold Jarman: Bristol Rovers Local Hero. The History Press. ISBN 9780750957724.
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