Tommy Barkas

Tommy Barkas
Personal information
Date of birth (1912-03-27)27 March 1912
Place of birth Gateshead,[1] England
Date of death 1991 (aged 78–79)
Height 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)[2]
Position(s) Inside forward
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1933–1934 Bradford City 16 (2)
1934–1946 Halifax Town 171 (35)
1946–1948 Rochdale 44 (17)
1948–1949 Stockport County 44 (18)
1949 Carlisle United 14 (5)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Tommy Barkas, BEM (27 March 1912 – 1991[1]) was an English professional footballer who played in England during the 1930s and 1940s.

Born in Gateshead, England, Barkas was one five brothers, including Ned, Harry, Jimmy and Sam, who all had professional careers. A cousin, Billy Felton, also played for England. He played in the Football League for Bradford City, Halifax Town, Rochdale, Stockport County and Carlisle United, and he made almost 300 League appearances in total, including 171 for Halifax.[1]

During the Second World War he joined the Royal Air Force and earned the British Empire Medal (Military) whilst serving in Malta. The official account of the events leading to the award read "Corporal Barkas, along with Acting Flight Sergeant Hugh Shelly Stammuitz of Ozshott, dealt with numerous fires including those on a petrol bowser and an ammunition lorry while some 50 enemy aircraft were bombing the area".

He retired from football in 1949, having played 14 league games for Carlisle in the 1948-49 season.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. Soccerdata. ISBN 1-899468-67-6.
  2. ^ "Halifax Town. Big youngsters". Sunday Dispatch Football Guide. London. 23 August 1936. p. xvi – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Post War Football League Stats - Carlisle players
  • Meynell, Johnny (2005). The Definitive Halifax Town AFC. Soccer Data. ISBN 1-899468-24-2.
  • Thwaites, Tony (1988). From Sandhall to the Shay - An Illustrated History of Halifax Town AFC 1911 - 1988