Cobblers Past and Northampton Town Football Club are saddened to learn about the passing of former player Barry Lines

Barry Lines played for both Bletchley clubs as an amateur while working in the printing trade.

The Cobblers signed him on professional terms in September 1960 as a replacement for the ageing Tommy Fowler.

He made his debut as a second-half substitute in the floodlight opening v Arsenal at the County Ground.

From then on he was considered the first choice outside left as the club rose through the divisions.

Barry became the first player to play and score in all four divisions of the football league for one club.

He lost his place for a spell to Tommy Robson but when Robson moved to Newcastle Barry was re-instated despite an alleged ‘open chequebook offer from Tottenham

In 1967 he suffered a broken leg v Scunthorpe and while recovering took the decision to go part-time.

He first became a representative for a sports goods firm and then joined Mercury the telephone company on their accounts side.

He often found himself as a substitute for the first team on Tuesday and Substitute for the reserves the following day.

Barry made 296 appearances for the Cobblers scoring 50 goals and helping the Cobblers win division three in 1963.

When the club disbanded the reserves he left and turned out for Milton Keynes.

We send our condolences to Barry’s family and friends.

#OnceACobblerAlwaysACobbler