Born in Wardley Colliery, England, Barkas had worked in the pits and farm before leaving his junior club Middle Dock to join Bradford City in 1928.

At Manchester City he picked up a Championship medal and a Division Two title.

He later managed Workington and Wigan and was a scout for Manchester City and Leeds United.

Barkas was one of five brothers who all had professional careers;[2] the others were Ned, Harry, Jimmy and Tommy.

His cousin Billy Felton played for Sheffield Wednesday, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur and made one appearance for England.