Leicester City In 100 Players: Len Barry

Barry was signed by manager Willie Orr, who had arrived at Filbert Street at the start of the previous season, following a remarkably successful managerial career at Airdrieonians, guiding the Scottish club to four successive runners-up spots in the Scottish League as well as winning the Scottish Cup. 

It was an inspired signing. When Barry arrived at Filbert Street, Leicester City had lost their previous four games and were in 14th position in the old First Division. He appeared in all of the remaining 35 league and cup games, including the cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in front of a record crowd.

He played a key role in helping the Club to finish in third place in the top flight at the end of the season. In the close-season, he won his first two England caps, against France and Belgium. 

The following season (1928/29), Barry only missed one league game, playing a vital part in the Club finishing runners-up in the old First Division. He combined well with inside-left Arthur Lochhead and provided good service for goalscorers Arthur Chandler and Ernie Hine.

At the end of the campaign, he won three more England caps on the left wing. His Leicester City team-mate Hugh Adcock played on England’s right wing in all three games. During Barry’s time at Filbert Street, he was one of five Foxes players to be picked for England.

The year 1929 was Barry’s high point at Leicester City. He was a fixture in the side for four more seasons, but the side was ageing, and there was a steady decline with the Club finishing eighth, 16th and 19th twice, just avoiding relegation.

Orr left the Club in January 1932 and, the following season, Barry eventually lost his place to Scottish international Danny Liddle, who himself went on to have a distinguished career at Filbert Street. 

In August 1933, after playing over 200 games for Leicester City, Barry signed for Second Division side Nottingham Forest. The fans were sorry to see him go. His name will be forever be linked with Leicester City’s first golden era.