Barnes Moves Clubs - But Stays On Loan With Gulls

Barnes moved from SkyBet League One Charlton Athletic to League Two Colchester United yesterday and then came back to Torquay on loan.

The 21-year-old full-back has been a key part of both the Addicks’ under-18 and under-23 sides since arriving from Arsenal at the age of 16, completing an ever-present season for the under-18s during the double-winning 2014/15 campaign before helping the development squad to the league title in 2016.

Barnes made his first-team debut off the bench in the final-day victory over Swindon Town at The Valley last April and he went on to make three more senior appearances in the Checkatrade Trophy this term, before embarking on a loan stint with Torquay earlier this month.

Torquay`s head coach Gary Owers told the club`s official website: “We got a phone call from his agent on Tuesday to say that there was interest from another club.

“Between the three clubs we had to do a lot of work to look after his interests because he’s a young player and we have to respect his aspirations in terms of his playing career. We worked the deal so that as soon as he signed for Colchester, he returned back to us on loan until the end of the season. It has worked out on all fronts for everyone.”

Barnes made his debut for the Gulls in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against leaders Macclesfield Town. He showed his value to Owers’ squad by excelling in a relatively unfamiliar role in midfield.

“I deployed him in the centre of midfield last weekend and he did really well,” Owers added. “I’m sure we’ll see what more will come from him in the coming weeks.”

It has been a busy 24 hours for Barnes, but he is happy to return to United to see the season out.

“It happened quite quickly to be fair,” said Barnes about his move. “I got myself to Essex and did my medical and signed. I’m happy to finish the season off here, that’s what I wanted. I’m happy it all managed to go through in the end. I just want to repay the faith that the manager has shown in me here”.