Jim Barron

Jim Barron (born 19 October 1943) is an English former footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He played over 400 games in the Football League for a number of clubs over a twenty-year career.

Playing career
Barron began his playing career at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1961. After time in the reserves, he made his league debut on 30 November 1963 in a goalless draw with Everton. He managed 7 starts in the 1963–64 season, deputising for Fred Davies, but apart from a solitary appearance the following season, these proved his only games for the club.

He moved to Chelsea in 1965 but found opportunities just as limited. It was only when he joined lower league Oxford United the following year that he gained regular football.

He went on to play for both Oxford (1966 to 1970) and, subsequently, Nottingham Forest (1970 to 1974) over 150 times each. He also had spells at Swindon Town (1974 to 1977), Connecticut Bicentennials (June to August 1977) and Peterborough United (1977 to 1981) during a twenty-year professional career.

Later career
Barron was Caretaker Manager at both Wolverhampton Wanderers (May 1984) and Birmingham City (October to December 2001) and permanent manager of Cheltenham Town in 1988–89.

He was first team coach at League One Northampton Town from 2002 to 2011. He was additionally appointed joint caretaker manager at Northampton on 20 December 2006, following the resignation of John Gorman. After the appointment of Stuart Gray as manager in January 2007, Barron reverted to his role as a first team coach. Barron was a scout for Everton from 2009 to 2020, a role which he left during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barron is currently the assistant manager of Bath City, a post he was appointed to in July 2023.