Joshua Lee Barrett (born 21 June 1998) is an Irish footballer who plays for club Dorking Wanderers as a midfielder. He has represented Republic of Ireland at U21 level.
Early life Barrett's parents are from Oxford.He played GAA with Eire Og as a child.
Club career Reading Barrett signed his first professional contract with Reading in October 2015. He went on to make his senior debut for Reading on 8 March 2016, in a 3–1 defeat away to Huddersfield Town, coming on as an 84-minute substitute for Chris Gunter. On 21 December 2017 Barrett signed a new contract with Reading, until the summer of 2021, and also agreed to join EFL League Two side Coventry City on loan from 1 January 2018, until the end of the season. On 10 November 2018 Barrett signed for Aldershot Town on a month long loan. Barrett scored his first goals for Reading when he scored twice in an EFL Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle on 27 August 2019.
Bristol Rovers On 7 January 2020, Barrett joined Bristol Rovers on a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee from Reading. Barrett failed to make an impact during the 2019–20 season that was prematurely ended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This came after manager Ben Garner had, although praising his skill levels, criticised Barrett's fitness levels with the midfielder below the standards of the first-team.
Barrett made 9 appearances during the 20/21 league campaign, the Gas were relegated that same season. On 1 September 2021, it was announced that the club had terminated Barrett's contract to allow him to move on.
King's Lynn Town On 13 October 2021, Barrett joined National League side King's Lynn Town. Barrett made his debut for the club that weekend, coming off of the bench in a 2–1 FA Cup Fourth qualifying round victory over Peterborough Sports, Barrett playing a part in the winning goal. Barrett opened his account for the club on 11 December with a double as second-bottom King's Lynn beat bottom side Dover Athletic by two goals to one.
Aldershot Town On 22 January 2024, Barrett returned to Aldershot Town having previously spent time with the club on loan. The move saw him reunite with Tommy Widdrington, the manager who had brought him to King's Lynn Town, as well as signing him for both Bristol Rovers and Coventry City from his role as Head of Recruitment.
At the end of the 2024–25 season, Barrett was named as the club's player of the season award, voted for by the fans. On 11 May 2025, he scored the third goal as the Shots defeated Spennymoor Town 3–0 to win the 2024–25 FA Trophy. On 25 June 2025, he signed a new two-year deal.
On 14 May 2026, it was announced that Barrett would leave Aldershot Town after agreeing an undisclosed fee with an unnamed club.
Dorking Wanderers On 22 May 2026, Barrett signed for National League South side, Dorking Wanderers for an undisclosed fee.
International career Barrett made his debut for the Republic of Ireland U17s against Hungary U17s in August 2014. Barrett was called up to the Republic of Ireland U21s for the first time in March 2016, making his debut as a 75th-minute substitute against Slovenia U21s on 28 March 2016.
On 28 May 2019, Barrett was called up to the Republic of Ireland U21 team for the 2019 Toulon Tournament. He started the match against Bahrain U23s and won the penalty for the winning goal.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsReading2015–16Championship30000000302016–17Championship00000000002017–18Championship00001000102018–19Championship20000000202019–20Championship5000220072Total100003200132Coventry City (loan)2017–18League Two6020000080Aldershot Town (loan)2018–19National League5020—0070Bristol Rovers2019–20League One70000010802020–21League One90100010110Total160100020190King's Lynn Town2021–22National League29520—233382022–23For FA Cup Second Qualifying Round: For FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay: For FA Cup Third Qualifying Round: National League North43761—205182023–24For FA Cup Second Qualifying Round: For FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay: National League North14320—00163Total8615101—4310019Aldershot Town2023–24National League12200——1222024–25National League381620—8348192025–26National League31512—20347Total812332—1039428Dorking Wanderers2026–27For FA Cup Second Qualifying Round: For FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay: National League South9322—00115Career total213412053214625054
Honours Aldershot Town FA Trophy: 2024–25
Individual Aldershot Town Player of the Season: 2024–25
References
External links