"Spud" was the first Barnsley player to be used as a substitute in October 1965 when he replaced Brian Jackson in a 5–1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers.
After earning his first-team status, Murphy went on to make a consecutive run of 165 league and 17 cup games.
He was voted Barnsley's player of the year in 1972, and after the emergence of two other young full-backs he took on a central defensive role in 1974–75 under Jim Iley when he was also made captain.
In November 1975 he was appointed player-coach aged 35 years and was restored to his former right-back role and was an ever-present during the 1976–77 season.
Barry continued on the Reds' coaching staff under Allan Clarke and joined him at Leeds United in October 1980.