The next month he signed a new deal to keep him at Rovers until summer 2008.
He spent three seasons at Rovers making 172 league appearances and scoring 36 goals.
He is considered to be the vice-captain at Rovers, despite this never being formally announced by the club.
Barnes made a mixture of starts and substitute appearances at Rovers.
He brought his career to a close at Doncaster Rovers.
He worked as youth team coach at Doncaster Rovers during the 2004-05 season.
He began his career at Rovers, but insisted: 'I'm going nowhere.
However despite 6 goals in 22 total appearances his time at Rovers was ruined by an achilles injury.
His time at Blackburn Rovers was during a long lean period for the club.
His only goal of the season came in a 2-0 victory at Tranmere Rovers.