John Barnes

John Charles Bryan Barnes, commonly known as John Barnes is an retired English football player who was born on 7 November 1963 in Kingston, Jamaica.

Barnes was a talented and quick left winger who played for several clubs including Watford and Liverpool. He also represented England national football team during his flamboyant career. Barnes was one of the favourite players of Liverpool fans, as in 2006, he had got 5th place in a poll of Liverpool fans' favourite players.

In 1998, this legendary southpaw was felicitated with the Member of the Order of the British Empire for his contribution.

Background

Being born as a son of Military man, Barnes was named after legendary John Charles and Ken Barnes as Barnes’s father was a great follower of sports.

His father's interest gave him freedom as well as confidence to choose sport as a career. At the age of 12, Barnes shifted to England with his family. There, he attended famous rugby-playing school, St. Marylebone Grammar School.

During his schooling, he also played youth football for Paddington based club, Stowe Boys Club. This club was the first club he joined to strengthen his football career. Later, he also played for Sudbury Court.

Debut

After getting promoted to the senior team of Watford, Barnes made his debut on 25 September 1982 in a 8-0 victory against Sunderland at First Division (Until 91/92). On 11 December 1982, he got his second game against Liverpool. Match has ended up with Liverpool's victory by 3-1.

Barnes’ international debut had come on 28 May 1983 under Bobby Robson. In that match against Northern Ireland, Barnes had come as a replacement and England had drawn the match by 0-0.

Rise to glory

Barnes earned fame playing for Liverpool. On 9 June 1987, Liverpool signed a contract with him rewarding his promising performance with Watford. Making his debut for Liverpool on 15 August 1987, he with his teammate Beardsley set up a goal and led his team to 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

In his first season, Liverpool were on fire winning 29 games in a row and Barnes remained a key player throughout the tournament scoring 15 league goals. However, they faced shocking defeat at FA Cup final from Wimbledon. Barnes was also given PFA Player of the year award.

In 1988-89 season, Barnes, set up goals from the left wing helping his team to clinch FA cup final against arch rival Everton.

Later in 1989-90 Football League First Division, he was on top. Playing 34 matches, he scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists leading his team to the title victory. This was his best performance for Liverpool.

1992-93 season was the first Premier League season for Barnes, in which he scored 5 goals playing 27 games. In his last days with Liverpool, being a veteran in the team, he kept his performance on top and also played a role of mentor for the young players of the club.

In the last stage of his career, he also played with Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic.

Records

Despite of being an amazing player, Barnes’ international career was comparatively little low. He played 79 international games for England scoring 11 goals.

In club football, he overall played 410 games at different leagues scoring 103 goals and providing 60 assists. Most of his games came for Liverpool, 342 of them netting the ball 90 times and providing 57 assists. Particularly, at the Premier League, he played 201 matches and got 28 goals with 8 assists in his name.

Retirement

On 1 July 1999, Barnes made announcement of his retirement ending his long and splendid career.

After retirement, Barnes managed Scottish Premiership club Celtic in 1999-2000. Afterwards, he also coached Jamaica and Tranmere Rovers.