User:Barleymark

John Charles Barley

Born Staveley Derbyshire 30/10/1904

Signed by Arsenal from Staveley United as one of Herbert Chapman's first signings in October 1925. John Charles Barleys playing position was at Wing-Half and Inside-Forward. Struggling to break into the first team, due to the team consisting of internationals. Barley didn't make his league debut until February 1927 against Leeds United. He made only four appearances that season: one in the FA cup and scoring away at Aston Villa with a 3-2 win. Barley made two first team appearances during the next season 1927-28 and again played four games in 1928-29. Having achieved success and winning three London Combination medals for the reserves at Highbury, Charles Barley signed for Reading FC in May 1929.

John Charles Barley, or Charlie Barley as he became known, played 214 games at Elm Park scoring 16 goals in both league and cup fixtures from 1929 to 1937. A versatile player; playing as Centre Forward, Inside Left, Left Half, Centre Half, Left back and full back. In 1935 Barley lined up against his former club Arsenal in the FA Cup 5th Round tie at Elm Park, losing to the Gunners 1-0

In front of a packed crowd of 30,621. For his 8 years of service to Reading FC. a testimonial game was arranged against Chelsea Reserves. This game caused unrest with the Elm Park supporters, as he was 'rested' from playing in this match due to an important fixture in the coming week. Towards the end of his career at Reading John Charles Barley was given a free transfer. He joined Maidenhead United in 1937 as Coach/Trainer and Groundsman. He also played a handful of games for the Magpies. His reign at the club didn't last long, he couldn't improve on the previous season placement of 9th in the league. Barley also accepted that the older players were too established for his new innovated style of coaching methods.

During the Second World War. Barley became a War Reserve Constable in Reading. And played his last games of football for the Police team￼.

Arsenal stayed within the Barley family as Charlies son Derek, joined the Gunners in the early 1950s.