Sam Barkas was born at Tyne Dock, South Shields and started playing in the Wearside League. His elder brothers Ned, Harry and Jimmy had already begun League careers with Huddersfield Town, Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion respectively and in 1927 young Sam followed in their footsteps.

He had worked in the pits and on a farm before leaving junior side Middle Dock to join Bradford City.

His League debut came the following season and 26 appearances in 1928/29 earned him a 3^rd Division North Championship medal as City romped away with the title.

In 1934 City were forced to sell Sam due to mounting debts to Manchester City for £5,000, a move unpopular with the City fans.

Barkas would have won more than his five England caps had it not have been for the presence of Arsenal's Eddie Hapgood.

He later managed Workington and Wigan Athletic before rejoining Bradford City in 1964 to work on their pools development fund.

He left in 1966 retiring to live in Shipley.