Three years after his spectacular solo goal for England against Brazil at Rio's Maracana Stadium the exciting Jamaican-born winger was signed from Watford for £900,000 by Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish in 1987 as part of his team re-shaping following the departure of Ian Rush to Juventus. 

Barnes linked up with other new recruits Peter Beardsley, Ray Houghton and John Aldridge in a swashbuckling line-up that swept to the Championship in style, with Barnes scoring 15 times in 38 outings. Liverpool also equalled the record of 29 League games unbeaten from the start of the season and reached the FA Cup Final, losing to Wimbledon. 

The impact of Barnes earned him the votes of both the football writers and his fellow professionals of the PFA as the 1988 double Footballer of the year. The following season he won a FA Cup medal and in 1989-90 his 22 goals earned him a second title medal. 

During Graeme Souness's period as manager Barnes was appointed club captain and switched from the wing to a central midfield role. After Roy Evans had taken over as manager, Barnes won a Coca-Cola Cup medal in 1995. He joined Newcastle in 1997, received an MBE a year later. (LFC Official website)

10.6.99: Barnes becomes head coach at Celtic.

10.2.00: Barnes has been ousted from his position as first team coach at Celtic. The cup defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle was the final 'nail in the coffin' and, for the time being at least, Kenny Dalglish takes over first team affairs. Terry McDermott has also left Celtic Park.

16.9.08: Barnes has been named as the new national coach of Jamaica.

15.6.09: Barnes has been named the new manager of League One side Tranmere Rovers.

09.10.09: Barnes sacked as Rovers manager.

Thor Zakariassen ©