Product of Aylesbury's youth team who progressed through to the reserves, and became a first team regular before then Division 2 side Crystal Palace moved to sign him for £7,500 in February 1984.

The deal was concluded despite interest from other clubs such as Manchester United, Coventry City and Cardiff City, with Barber becoming the first player to leave the Ducks for a football league side in 30 years after Ray Mabbutt's £20 move to Bristol Rovers.

As is often the case in such deals, Palace agreed to send their full first team for a pre-season friendly the following summer.

Barber spent 7 years at Selhurst Park, before moving onto Millwall, and also played for Plymouth, Fulham and Bristol City before returning to the non-league game.