Brakes boss Paul Holleran has pulled off something of a coup by securing the signing of the vastly experienced Tyrone Barnett to provide a massive boost to his attacking options for the new season.

The striker spent last season at our National League North rivals Hereford, but after becoming a free agent in the summer, and with a number of clubs after his signature, he decided to link up with a manager he first worked with at the beginning of his career as a 19 year old back in 2006, which has seen him score goals at every level from the Southern League Midland Division to the EFL Championship.

After playing for West Bromwich Albion at youth level Tyrone dropped into Non League football, where he played for Rushall Olympic under Holleran, who was the first to benefit from his knack of finding the back of the net regularly.

Further moves to AFC Telford United, Willenhall Town and Hednesford Town, where Barnett played and scored against Brakes regularly prompted an attempt to sign him by our then boss Jason Cadden.

Barnett’s scoring exploits caught the eye of Football League clubs, and he turned professional at Macclesfield Town in 2010. He went on to play for Crawley Town under Steve Evans the following season, before a two division jump to Peterborough United, initially on loan but eventually for a fee of £1.1 million.

After loan spells with Ipswich Town, Bristol City, and Oxford United, Tyrone won promotion from League 2 with Shrewsbury Town before spending time on loan at Southend United the following season. He then joined AFC Wimbledon, and also played for Port Vale and Cheltenham Town before joining Eastleigh in the National League in 2019.

‘Tyrone played for me many many years ago, and has gone on to have a fantastic career,’ said the manager. ‘I thought he was good for Hereford last year, and he was a player that we listed, knowing that we wanted one of our number nines to be a focal point, because we’ve certainly missed that over the last couple of years for different reasons.

‘As well as coming in to be a first team player, Tyrone is also going to be working alongside Chris Knott at the Academy as well, so that will be good for the young lads.

‘He’s a great story, Tyrone. He was never at an Academy. He came through local football - worked his way up through Rushall, Willenhall and Hednesford and then went on to have a great career, play for some super clubs, consistently did well and was involved in million pound transfer moves.

‘It was something that I started enquiring about at the start of the summer; seeing whether it was possible, so five or six weeks on, to finally get it over the line and get Tyrone on board - obviously mainly to help us on the pitch at Leamington, but I think he’ll be a good asset to us off the pitch as well in his other role at the club. It’s a really pleasing signing for us. I know the character of the lad - he’s a real good kid, and he’ll be a real help to some of the younger players in the squad as well; and on top of everything I know that his performance levels are still right up there. He’s in great condition, looks after himself, and plays a lot of games every season. We’re really really delighted to get him on board. We look forward to working with him and spending time with him.’

‘It seems I’ve done a complete circle in my career! The chance to work with Paul again was crucial,’ said Barnett upon signing. 'I am currently completing my UEFA B coaching licence, so working with Chris (Knott) is vital in that sense.’

Recalling the early days of his career, he said ‘Hednesford was where it all started for me. I was just turning 22, had just had my children, and had two full seasons, scoring 24 each time, which was a good return for me.’

Upon his return to the Southern League after 13 years, he said ‘I’m very much looking forward to it. I’ve not played alongside any of the Leamington lads before, but have come across many of them in my career. I can’t wait to get started - I’m glad there’s only a week to go until the start of pre-season!’

Tyrone is looking forward to being able to pass on the benefit of his experience to his new team mates, particularly Callum Stewart and Henry Landers, saying ‘Hopefully with my experience I can help the younger players score goals and become better players all round, but ultimately I will be trying to score as many as I can myself to get wins for Leamington.

‘The gaffer has mentioned there is some real talent at the club, and playing against them last season I could see lots of potential. I think this season is going to be something special.’

We would like to welcome Tyrone and his family to Leamington Football Club, and hope he enjoys his time with us, both on the pitch and working in the Academy.

*Thanks to Tim Nunan for the use of his photograph.