Neil Barrett

Chelsea and Portsmouth

Barrett started his career as a trainee in the Chelsea youth system. While at the club he was an England schools international. He joined First Division club Portsmouth on 25 June 2001 on a free transfer and made his first-team debut in a 1–0 victory away to Stockport County on 25 August. His first goal for Portsmouth came with the equaliser against Gillingham on 8 September 2001 with a header from a Robert Prosinečki cross, in a match that finished as a 2–1 victory. Barrett was offered a new contract with Portsmouth in October 2001 after impressing in the first team. He finished the 2001–02 season with 26 appearances and two goals, despite not playing any matches for Portsmouth from March 2002. Barrett was taken to hospital with a suspected broken knee suffered during a reserve-team match against Bristol City in September 2002, although an X-ray later confirmed there was no break. However, tests were carried out and he was expected to be out of the team for six weeks to recover from the injury. Having fallen out of favour at Portsmouth, he had a trial at Notts County in December 2002 and manager Bill Dearden commented that Barrett "could be a reasonable prospect". He finished 2002–03 with no appearances for Portsmouth and was told by manager Harry Redknapp he was surplus to requirements. He had a one-week trial with Wimbledon in August 2003, having been told he could leave Portsmouth.

Dundee

Having made no appearances for Portsmouth…

Barrett played as a central midfielder and provided "plenty of drive in midfield". He described himself as being "one to get in the box" and having "a bit of a knack of being in the right place at the right time". He was described as being "not afraid of sticking his foot in". Ebbsfleet manager Liam Daish commented that "He will bring a physical presence to our midfield and is capable of getting his name on the score sheet." and while at the club was pivotal in midfield.

Barrett was born in Tooting, Greater London. His wife Rebecca, whom he married in Leatherhead, Surrey on 29 May 2010, works as a flight attendant for Virgin Atlantic and he has 3 sons called George, Bertie and Alfred.

Ebbsfleet United

FA Trophy: 2007–08