Career
Barclay also represented England on three occasions, scoring two goals. Derby County Barclay started his career with amateur clubs. Scotswood United Church, Bell"s Close Amateurs, Allendale and finally Scotswood before signing for Derby County in 1928 where he became a protégé of George Jobey.
He spent two seasons with The Rams scoring 23 league goals in 61 games.
Sheffield United In 1931 Barclay signed for Sheffield United for £3,500. He was cool and methodical in his play, very clever, and was bought to lend inspiration to Jimmy Dunne in attack, although he also provided plenty of openings for the other attacking team-mates (like inside-forward Jack Pickering).
Barclay scored 67 league goals for The Blades in 231 starts, although it has been said on numerous occasions that he given his apparent unselfishness in front of goal, he should have scored many more. Huddersfield Town In March 1937 Barclay was transferred to Huddersfield Town along with Eddie Boot for a combined fee of £7,000.
With the outbreak of World World War II the football league was suspended but Town retained Barclay"s registration throughout.
As was common in this period Barclay made wartime guest appearances for Barnsley, Bradford Park Avenue, Bradford City, York City, Crewe Alexandra, Oldham Athletic and back at his old club Sheffield United. With the war over Barclay was finally released by Huddersfield in 1946 having scored 19 goals from 74 league appearances. Barclay"s good form with Sheffield United meant it was no surprise when he was handed his first of 3 England international caps in 1932.
He made his debut against Scotland on 9 April 1932 in a Home Championship aged 25 years.
Scoring on his debut Barclay found the Netto again in England"s next game later the same year. Another Home Championship fixture, this time against Ireland.
International goals FA Cup Runner up Following his release by Huddersfield, Barclay played for Hurst in the Cheshire League before returning to Huddersfield Town to act as assistant trainer. He subsequently had a spell as a coach in the Netherlands.