August 11, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC News Release
WINDSOR, Colo. – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC has signed English forward Marcus Barnes. The deal is pending league and federation approval.
“It’s good to be back on the pitch,” Barnes said. “Obviously, I’ve had some bad luck with injuries, but it feels good to be in a place like this and get back on my feet.”
The native of Reading, England, spent his youth career with the Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Southampton FC academies. On loan from Southampton, Barnes made his professional debut when he came on for then EFL League Two side Yeovil Town FC on Jan. 6, 2018, scoring the match-winning goal in the Third Round of the FA Cup.
In addition to 50 appearances and 14 goals for Southampton FC B, Barnes played one match with the English Premier League side’s senior team in the 2019-20 FA Cup before going out on loan again to Eastleigh FC in the Vanarama National League. Barnes most recently moved to Oldham Athletic AFC, with whom he made seven EFL League Two appearances during the 2020-21 season.
“I’m really pleased it will give us a boost towards the end of the year,” Northern Colorado Head Coach Éamon Zayed said. “He’s going to give us another option up front. He’s motivated, hungry, ambitious, and wants to come over and make a name for himself in America. Hopefully, he’ll give us a spark and push the other players on as well.”
Name: Marcus Barnes
Pronunciation: MARK-us BAR-ns
Position: Forward
Height: 6-1
Weight: 160
Jersey Number: 23
Date of Birth: Dec. 1, 1996 (25)
Hometown: Reading, England
Nationality: England
Previous Club: Oldham Athletic (EFL League Two)
Transaction: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC signed Marcus Barnes on Aug. 11, 2022.
The future home of Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 118-acre Future Legends Complex will feature 6,500-seat TicketSmarter Stadium, 2,500-seat Future Legends Field, multiple baseball diamonds, multi-purpose fields, an indoor sports arena, lodging, and retail; and will host guests for major sports tournaments, events, leagues, and more.
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