Born in Luton on 30^th November 1985, the young player has mostly built up his reputation as a central defender.  Although he has played at left back, right back, centre midfield and up front. 

Barnett started his professional career with his local side Luton Town, after starting out in their Youth Academy.  But the beginnings of his professional days were hard, and after failing to break through into the senior squad he moved to Aylesbury United on loan.  The loan spell proved to be the right move for the youngster, and on his return to Luton he broke through into the first team.

The step up to Championship football proved to be a difficult one for all at the club, but Barnett made steady progress in the 2005/06 season, going from strength to strength.  There was more progress made the following season, and he finally scored his first professional goal at home to Leicester City on the opening day of the season.

His rapid progress and regularity in Luton’s first team caught the eye of several clubs as the 2006/07 season drew to a close.  On the 26^th July 2007 West Bromwich Albion won the race to snap up the defender at an initial cost of £2.5 million.  But that could be raised by another £500,000 based on performances and Albion winning promotion to the Premier League.

Barnett’s four year contract will keep him at the club until 2011.  His debut was a disappointing one for Baggies fans, seeing a 2-1 defeat at Turf Moor on the opening day of the campaign.  But Barnett did score his first Baggies goal in a Baggies victory, with an overall 3-2 win at Scunthorpe United.  Barnett’s performance in the 2-1 victory against Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium on 8^th December 2007 earned him a place in the Championship side of the week. 

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