Shown the door by West Bromwich Albion as a 15-year-old and forced into a number of routine jobs in order to make ends meet, Tyrone Barnett refused to rule out a career as a full-time footballer.

Town’s new loan signing from Peterborough played — and scored regularly — for Rushall Olympic, Telford United, Willenhall Town and Hednesford Town before he received the call that he had been waiting years to receive.

Stevenage-born Barnett said: “I didn’t really give up on the idea of playing full-time in the Football League, even when I heard people talking, saying I was getting too old and expressing doubts about me being able to make it as a full-time professional.

“When the call came from Macclesfield manager Gary Simpson I was over the moon. I was surprised, although I knew they had been watching me from the season before but it would have cost them a fee to sign me then.

“Under the Bosman rule, when I turned 24 and was out of contract it made things a lot smoother. I’ve always had faith in my ability and I think that’s why I have progressed this far. When you are at a club where the gaffer believes in you it helps a lot as well.”

Barnett joined Macclesfield in May 2010 and 12 months later, after 13 goals in 51 appearances, he was sold to Crawley Town. One year on, following a successful loan spell, Peterborough spent a record £1.2 million to take him to London Road.

He added: “After I left West Brom I had a number of jobs. I worked in a call centre, I was a postman and I had a spell as a security guard. Just jobs to help me pay the bills, really.

“Being where I am now it makes me determined that I will never go back to jobs like that. I’ve always had the hunger that makes me want to strive to better myself.

“I understand people who have 9-5 jobs. They are our fans and they want value for money when they buy their tickets. I want to enjoy playing football but I will never take it for granted. I really value it, unbelievably so.

“I was a long time in non-league football. Football has always been my passion and to be making a living from it is just great. It was great to be a professional in League Two and I’ve progressed since then.

“If you’d told me three years ago that I’d be playing in the Championship I probably would have laughed at the very idea. But it’s reality and I want to enjoy the moment as much as I can.

“I’m very excited at the prospect of playing again. I just want to do my best and show Town fans what I can do.”

Photo: Action Images

readtheleaguetable added 06:21 - Nov 29 Like this guy already: Blue is the collar, Ipswich is the name...
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Dissboyitfc added 08:03 - Nov 29 refreshing to hear a footballer talk about the honour and privilege of being paid to play football, only wish more had the same attitude...COYB
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Marcus added 08:03 - Nov 29 Good work ethic. Nice to see. Perhaps some of the more experienced players can learn from him. Reminds me a bit of Simon Milton.
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Karlosfandangal added 08:11 - Nov 29 If he does well for us Posh will want their £1.2 million back. Let's hope if its the case we push the boat out Same could be said about Campbell, the pair could cost us about £3 million
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bluelady added 08:57 - Nov 29 I thought he looked terrific on Tuesday and not the lazy player the borough fans had made him out to be! Given time I think he and DJ could have a fantastic partnership, I suspect he will set up more than score but that's something we have missed a big strong fast centre forward! Lets hope both sign in January, if we keep away from bottom three we become a far more attractive prospect

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bluefeast added 09:27 - Nov 29 always hard to judge a player after one game. However he did a number of very good things. He needs to get up to speed on the fitness front then we really could have a decent player on the books providing we are able to buy him.
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DiamondGezzer added 09:28 - Nov 29 He certainly doesn't come across as a bad boy and certainly not lazy if Tuesday was anything to go by. Welcome.
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1Finshefki added 09:36 - Nov 29 Priceless attitude, and on first impressions a grafter. Good foil for DJ too it seems..
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afrodids added 11:06 - Nov 29 Barnet & DJ could form the best partnership since Bent & Kuqi , tbh I think that was the last time we had a good front pair with pace and power. COYB let's have a win on saturday really ,really hope Hyam is fit for saturday too :)
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blueherts added 11:08 - Nov 29 Wow - this is exactly what I was talking about the other day to someone - You have people who make the Absolute most of their careers / ability , like Barnett and others like RC ( and many others) who have everything at a young age - lauded and pampered by everyone and by 28 or less have lost it ... As we have seen over past few years Ex Premier 'stars' are not gonna help you in the long run to get out of the mire . Hungry players who put a shift in will deliver for you - I always think of Holt and Morison ( sorry) but they have made absolute most of their ability

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pazelle added 11:41 - Nov 29 At 27 he's still young, we signed Mathie when he was about the same age and if we can get a nice team gelling and he continues to improve I hope he can bag 15-20 a season alongside a similarly prolific partner... Good times on the way!
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