Career
Born in Colchester, Barrell joined hometown club Colchester United on a professional basis in 1956, having played amateur football for Lexden Wanderers. He played briefly for Colchester"s "A" team in 1952-1953, but switched between Layer Road and Harwich & Parkeston a number of times before finally becoming squad member. He scored on his debut for the U"s in the Essex derby against Southend United, his only goal for the club, in a 3–2 home victory on 18 August 1956.
He signed part-time professional terms in December 1956, but by this time, Barrell had already made three of his four appearances for Colchester.
His final game came on 29 December 1956 in a 1–1 draw with Queens Park Rangers, bringing his total to one goal in four league appearances for Colchester. On leaving Colchester, Barrell returned to non-league football with Clacton Town and then emigrated to New Zealand in 1963 where he played local football for Kamo Whangarei.