Eyebrows were raised in the summer of 2004 when Laws signed a lower-league left-back to play in central midfield. But it soon proved another inspired bit of business. Baraclough led the midfield to promotion and with his tough-tackling and immaculate passing he soon became one of the most important members of the team and a big fans favourite.
He took the number eleven shirt vacated by Alex Calvo-Garcia’s departure and the Spaniard would have been proud of Barra’s first season in the shirt.
A key player. He also has a knack of scoring goals. The best one, arguably, the thunderbolt that he bulleted in against his former club Mansfield in September 2004.
He is a leader and will be vital again this season as United look to make an impression in League One. Whether he will form a good partnership with Jim Goodwin or not is unknown, but with partnering Goodwin it should allow Barra more time to get forward and attack defences.
The player has been at a number of clubs having had previous spells at Leicester City (where he was a striker), Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Notts County (twice) and QPR.
But in 2004./05 as United marched to promotion Baraclough claimed it to be the best side that he’s ever played in, and hopefully the midfielder will continue to enjoy his football in Coca-Cola League One next season.