Semi-pro Lowestoft Town footballer Barry Bullen dies aged 75

But for Barry Bullen, who died last month, it took more than 20 years and hundreds of appearances before his first sending off.

The grandfather from Norwich was well known in local footballing circles, mainly due to his long career as a semi-professional with Lowestoft Town.

One of the teams Barry Bullen played for (Image: Courtesy of family)

A one-time triallist with Norwich City, he spent most of his playing years with the Trawlerboys, being awarded a testimonial match against Ipswich Town in recognition of his long service.

Mr Bullen was born in March 1947 in a property on Ranworth Road in the Earlham area of Norwich.

His parents were Norman and Eileen, and he had two siblings: brother Michael, and a sister, Norma, who died in 2022. 

He went to school in the area and spent his youth up in the city. From an early age, the avid Liverpool FC supporter had a passion for football.

The letter from Norwich City Football Club offering Barry Bullen a trial dated July 5, 1963 (Image: Courtesy of family)

In 1963, he was offered a trial at Norwich City, but ended up at other local clubs, including Gothic - the city club which started as the works team of Laurence, Scott and Electromotors and took its name from the firm's Gothic Works factory - Loke Lowestoft and Lowestoft Town.

On December 4, 1978, he had a testimonial match which saw a Lowestoft team take on one from Ipswich Town, who were FA Cup holders at the time and were managed by Sir Bobby Robson.

During his time with Lowestoft, he made around 400 first team appearances and would often appear in the pages of the Pink Un.

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It was in November 1982 that his first sending off came, after a bad tackle when he was playing for Hoveton against Wells. To make matters worse, Hoveton lost 3-2.

Barry Bullen (back row centre right) played with Gothic Football XI (Image: Courtesy of family)

During his long career, he played with some big football names including Colin Chick, the brother of the late Paul Chick – a local manager who died in 2020 aged 66 - and former professional footballer Clive Woods, who played for both Ipswich Town and Norwich City. 

In his personal life, Mr Bullen married his childhood sweetheart, Margaret, but they later divorced after having a son, Gary, who was born in 1968. 

Mr Bullen worked at KShoes and Start-rite Shoes as a Singer sewing machine mechanic in the factories, and he enjoyed fishing and ten-pin bowling before undergoing a quadruple heart bypass a number of years ago. 

(left to right) Barry Bullen with grandson Conner and son Gary (Image: Courtesy of family)

His son, Gary, said: “He was always very cheerful and funny. He was always there when I needed him and was a great all-round dad.” 

Mr Bullen died on December 5, 2022, aged 75. His funeral took place on December 21. As well as his son and brother, he leaves behind his grandson Connor and long-term partner Maggie Gordon.

Barry Bullen with his long-term partner Maggie Gordon (Image: Courtesy of family)

A poster of Barry Bullen's testimonial with Lowestoft Town (Image: Courtesy of family)

Barry Bullen (front right) following his testimonial match (Image: Courtesy of family)

Barry Bullen receives his first read card - in a 20 year career! (Image: Courtesy of family)