Shots attacker Josh Barrett has swiftly become a fan favourite after joining the club in 2024. Despite us spending the majority of the season at the wrong end of the table, Josh has managed an impressive individual effort recording 13 goal contributions in the 2025/26 Enterprise National League so far. This puts him on track to smash his tally of 19 in all competitions during the last campaign.
EARLY CAREER
After signing his first professional contract for Reading in 2015, Josh made his footballing debut in the EFL Championship less than 6 months later. This was the beginning of a 5 year stint with the club which unfortunately didn’t see him get the game time to show what we now know he is a master of: scoring goals.
During his childhood, Josh was involved in the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) in Hampshire, responsible for traditional Irish sports including hurling and Gaelic football. Thankfully for us he decided on a career path that steered him into association football instead, becoming an important, goal-scoring asset.
FOOTBALLING ACHIEVEMENTS
Our number 10 has plenty to be proud of in his footballing career, and even more so since putting on the red and blue shirt. Barrett played a crucial role in securing the status of FA Trophy champions last season where he scored the third goal to seal the deal at Wembley, a moment that topped off an impressive first full campaign with The Shots where he was ultimately crowned as player of the season.
FACT FILE
While we all know that Josh is a reliable and successful footballer, here are a couple of things that you might not know about him:
- Josh Barrett (the footballer) is not to be confused with Josh Barrett (the footballer) as he shares his name with a successful former NFL star. Two Barrett’s; two footballers.
- Josh has played at every major step of English football bar the Premier League (National League North/South – EFL Championship), and has adapted well to the pace and style of play outside the top 4 divisions.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT/MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER?
Well, i have many, but the 2 that stick out for me, are of course making my debut at 17 in the Championship, and scoring for the Shots at Wembley in The FA Trophy Final!
