Barry Horne enjoyed considerable success in football during his school days, winning a number of trophies and representing district teams. On leaving school he received a number of offers from league teams, but decided to consider his education, studying Chemistry for three years at Liverpool University. Upon leaving University, with a BSC and a Masters Degree in Engineering, he signed for Northern Premier League side Rhyl.

It was here that he caught the eye of Wrexham manager Bobby Roberts who signed him on professional terms in 1984. After going straight into the first team, he missed just two league games in his remaining three years at the club. Barry collected a Welsh Cup Winners medal in 1986, and also played in two European campaigns for the club, including the famous victory over FC Porto where he scored one of the most important away goals in the history of the club.
 
He then moved onto Portsmouth before a £700,000 move to neighbours Southampton. A move to Everton followed, where he scored one of the most important goals in their history - against Wimbledon to save the club from relegation. He was to play against Wrexham in an FA Cup game for Birmingham City, a game which the Red Dragons went on to win 3-1, before stumbling at the quarter final stage.