Home >> Fred Barber

The man behind the DVDs

Fred Barber was born August 26, 1963 in Ferryhill, County Durham and is an English former goalkeeper who is currently the goalkeeping coach with Bolton Wanderers and with Northern Ireland.

Fred began his playing career with Darlington FC between 1982-1983 and will be remembered best for his old mans mask! (Just ask him if you see him!) After spending three seasons as first choice goalkeeper at Darlington Fred moved to Everton FC as cover for Neville Southall in April 1986.

After six months goalkeeping for the then English Champions Fred moved to Walsall FC for the pricely sum of £100,000. Fred was a regular in the goals at Walsall and became a hugely popular figure with the fans.

1989 - 1991 saw Fred spend loan spells with Peteborough United, Chester City and Blackpool, again donning one of his infamous masks.

1992 - 1996 saw Fred enduring spells at Chesterfield, Colchester United, Luton Town, Peteborough, Ipswich Town, Blackpool and finally Birmingham City.

In the summer of 1996 Fred was appointed part-time goalkeeping coach at Bolton, an appointment which he shared with a position at West Bromwich Albion.

Fred is currently at the helm at Bolton on a full time basis and when time allows Rochdale FC. Fred also supports Nigel Worthington as part of the coaching staff at International level namely for Northern Ireland.

For the last sixteen years Fred has run a weekly professional goalkeeping camp for up to 80 keepers. This very popular camp is usually held the first week of July and brings in keepers from the Premier League down to non league, and also foreign keepers looking to play in England, one example is Tomas Kuszczak who after attending Fred's camp was snapped up by West Bromwich Albion. Four years ago a group of especially talented young keepers were invited along to train beside the professionals, this has proved very popular with demand for places very high. Nike supports this camp.

Fred has also taken his team of trusted coaches to Canada, West Indies, USA and Switzerland to coach keepers.

A busy man I'm sure you'll agree!