Geoff Barnett (footballer) facts for kids
Barnett (1972) -second row, curly hair
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Geoffrey Colin Barnett | ||
| Date of birth | 16 October 1946 | ||
| Place of birth | Northwich, England | ||
| Date of death | 15 January 2021 (aged 74) | ||
| Place of death | Fort Myers, Florida, U.S. | ||
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1962–1969 | Everton | 10 | (0) |
| 1969–1976 | Arsenal | 49 | (0) |
| 1976–1980 | Minnesota Kicks | 67 | (0) |
| Total | 126 | (0) | |
| International career | |||
| England U21 | |||
| Managerial career | |||
| 1981 | Minnesota Kicks | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Geoffrey Colin Barnett (born 16 October 1946 – died 15 January 2021) was an English footballer. He was a talented goalkeeper, which is the player who protects the goal.
Contents
Playing Career Highlights
Geoff Barnett started his football journey in 1962 at Everton. He was a very promising young player.
Early Days at Everton
While at Everton, Geoff won the FA Youth Cup in 1965. This is a big competition for young players. He also played for England as a schoolboy and for the Under-21 team.
However, it was hard for Geoff to get a regular spot in Everton's main team. Other strong goalkeepers were already playing. He made only ten league appearances over seven seasons.
Joining Arsenal Football Club
In October 1969, Geoff joined Arsenal for £35,000. Arsenal needed a goalkeeper quickly because their main player, Bob Wilson, had broken his arm.
Geoff made his first appearance for Arsenal on 4 October 1969. He played well, even saving a penalty in a European match. But when Bob Wilson recovered, Geoff went back to being a reserve player. He missed out on Arsenal winning the "Double" (winning two major trophies) in the 1970-71 season.
FA Cup Final Appearance
In the 1971-72 season, Geoff got another chance to play. Bob Wilson was injured again, so Geoff played in the 1972 FA Cup Final against Leeds United. Arsenal lost the match 1-0, but Geoff was not to blame for the goal.
He played more games in the 1972-73 season. But Bob Wilson always took the main goalkeeper spot when he was fit.
Leaving Arsenal
Arsenal signed a new goalkeeper, Jimmy Rimmer, in 1974. This meant Geoff was unlikely to become the main goalkeeper. Still, he stayed with Arsenal for two more years. He was a loyal understudy to Rimmer.
His last game for Arsenal was on 13 December 1975. In total, he played 49 matches for Arsenal. He earned an FA Cup runner-up medal.
Playing in America
In January 1976, Geoff left Arsenal to join the Minnesota Kicks in the United States. He played for them for several years.
Life After Playing
Geoff Barnett briefly became a coach for the Minnesota Kicks in 1981. He had a good record as a coach. However, the team stopped playing after that season.
He did not continue his career in football management. Instead, he returned to England. He ran a pub called the George & Dragon until 2010.
Later Life and Death
Geoff Barnett passed away on 15 January 2021, in Fort Myers, Florida, USA. He was 74 years old. He died from problems related to COVID-19.
Achievements
Club Honours
Everton
- FA Youth Cup: 1965
Arsenal
- FA Cup: runner-up 1972
Minnesota Kicks
- Soccer Bowl: runner-up 1976
