During the 2011–12 campaign a mid season injury sidelined Barnes for the remainder of the season. His understudy Andy Pettinger was also forced on to the sidelines, with the club having to bring in Dimitar Evtimov from Nottingham Forest on loan before signing youngster Michael Emery to deputise. Before the end of the season Trinity brought in a new first choice keeper in Jason White meaning Barnes was not offered a new contract at the end of the 2011–12 season but instead was invited back to pre-season training to prove his fitness, however he declined the offer and left the club.