 Barnes, who was born in Kingston upon Thames, London, was a quick, skillful winger who began his career as an apprentice with West Ham United, the team that he supported as a boy, winning an FA Youth Cup winners medal in 1981 and England youth international caps.He turned professional in September 1980, and scored on his League debut against Watford in September 1980.He had an extended run in the first-team in the 1983–84 season and featured in the 1984–85 season, making 43 league appearances in six seasons, scoring five goals.