John Barnwell

Who is John Barnwell?

John Barnwell is an English former football player and manager. He was until recently the chief executive of the League Managers Association.

Born in Newcastle, Barnwell first played as an amateur for Whitley Bay and Bishop Auckland before moving to Arsenal in 1955; he turned professional in November 1956. A regular in the Arsenal youth side, gaining England youth and an England under 23 caps, he made his debut for the Arsenal first team against Sunderland on 13 April 1957.

Soon after Barnwell was called up for National Service, and did not play again for Arsenal till midway through the 1958–59 season. A semi-regular in the Arsenal side for the next six seasons, Barnwell initially played as an inside forward, behind the main strikers, but during 1961–62 he was switched to a more defensive wing half position. He couldn't maintain his place in the side and was dropped.

However, Barnwell returned in 1962-63, playing 37 games at wing half, only to lose form again the following season, however, and he was dropped from the side. Unable to find his way back into the Arsenal first team again, he moved to Nottingham Forest in March 1964 for £40,000.