He says it is unrealistic to expect thefinishedarticle from college or university-leavers, particularly when much of the training will be so specific to the company.
But Mr Barnes has a way of taking good ideas that already have influential backing, needing only some sculpting and a boost from the state, and hauling out his chisel to produce thefinishedarticle.
"I feel the way we've done it where we've had to build and work with players and make them better, and juggle one or two a little bit, I think that gives you more pleasure than going out and buying thefinishedarticle, " he said.