John Barnes
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During his stellar career as a professional footballer, John Barnes played for England 79 times, scoring 12 goals. He was a member of the Liverpool team that won the league title in 1988 and 1990, the Football Association (FA) Cup in 1989 and 1992, and the League Cup in 1995. He is regarded as one of England’s outstanding footballers. He talks amusingly and elegantly on his footballing career with stories on characters such as ‘Gazza’ and Bobby Robson. John is also a well received keynote speaker on diversity issues having published his book ‘The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism’. As well as a Host on Awards nights.
Player Of The Year
John Barnes was the first black player to win the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award in 1988; he also won the prestigious Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Footballer of the Year award that same year. His professional career lasted 18 years, all but one season of it as a member of teams in the highest league division. John is often remembered by English soccer fans for his stunning individual goal for England against Brazil in 1984.
Kingston Town To Watford Town
John Barnes was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1963, and moved to England as a child. He was spotted by a talent scout from Watford FC while playing soccer in a park and made his professional debut for the team in 1981. By the following season Watford had been promoted to the English first division (now the Premiership). Watford flourished under manager Graham Taylor and so did Barnes. He was a member of the team’s impressive 1983 European Cup campaign and in the following year enjoyed second place to Liverpool in the league as well as collecting an FA Cup finalist’s medal.
John Barnes Getting Attention
By then John Barnes had come to the attention of England coach Bobby Robson, making his international debut in 1983. But it was in 1984 that Barnes became an England regular when he scored a remarkable individual goal against Brazil on June 10, 1984, at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Barnes collected the ball at the halfway line and beat five Brazilian defenders to score one of the most memorable goals ever achieved by an England player. He went on to play 79 times for England, scoring 12 goals, but despite some notable contributions his best performances always seemed to come at club level.
Power And Pace
Even so, Barnes’ England career was long and at times dramatic. As a player he could turn games around with his power and pace; and had the ability to energize a whole team. For example he was brought on with 15 minutes to go against Argentina in the 1986 World Cup quarter finals; when England was 2-0 down and Barnes single-handedly dismantled the Argentine defense. Setting up a goal and a missed chance for teammate Gary Lineker. But by the early 1990s England was a team of underachievers and Barnes became the focus for the fans’ discontent.
Liverpool League Titles
When Graham Taylor moved away from Watford in 1987 Barnes also left and joined Liverpool. One of the most successful English clubs of the decade, for a fee of £900,000. His time at Liverpool brought him many awards and accolades, including two league titles (1988, 1990), two FA Cup winner’s medals (1989, 1992), two runner’s up medals (1988, 1996); and a League Cup winner’s medal (1995).
John Barnes In Midfield
In his most successful season, 1989-90, he made 34 appearances and scored 22 goals; an outstanding tally for a midfield player. He was rewarded for this performance in 1990, when he was named Player of the Year for the second time. Two years earlier in 1988 he had been the first black player to receive award; and also picked up the Professional Footballers’ Association Footballer of the Year award.
John Barnes keynote speaker
John’s recent book ‘The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism‘ made an immediate impact and gained critical approval. He deftly interweaves personal experience and incisive cultural insight, confronting racism in Britain today in a timely and accessible read. An eloquent and thought-provoking book on racism and prejudice.
Barnes is now an articulate and captivating social commentator on a broad range of issues, and in ‘The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism’ he tackles head-on the issues surrounding prejudice with his trademark intelligence and authority. By vividly evoking his personal experiences, and holding a mirror to this country’s past, present and future, John provides a powerful and moving testimony. ‘The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism’ will help to inform and advance the global conversation around society’s ongoing battle with the awful stain of prejudice.
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Yvonne, Group Support Manager, Clearsprings Group –
John is also a great guy, again extremely funny, personable and made us all think with the content of his keynote speech. He was happy to pose for photos (there was a few ‘swooning’ ladies) with us all and chatted happily with those who wanted to speak to him. We even heard the famous ‘rap’ at the end which the majority of the room filmed on their phones and is now probably somewhere on social media!
Claire, Alcon Eye Care –
John was great, and in my opinion just what we were looking for and more. He was really thought-provoking and quite provocative at times, he utilised simple analogies to help people truly understand the meaning of unconscious bias… A great inspiring choice- thanks for your help and support in organising. Look forward to organising the next event soon!
Oliver Burgoyne, House of Experience –
We worked with John for the launch of our £2.90 Caribbean Campaign for Western Union. John was a real asset, charming, enthusiastic, friendly and a real crowd-pleaser. We had huge crowds, many who had seen John’s tweets a few days before. The campaign won two awards, John’s efforts and personality were a big reason for this. If anyone is looking for a celebrity / personality to be a part of their campaign I would 100% recommend John, you won’t be disappointed, he is down to earth and will go above and beyond.
The Guardian –
On John’s book: ‘The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism’ – Barnes has written a book which reiterates that racism is embedded in society rather than just football.’ – Guardian
Jonathan Ross –
On John’s book: ‘The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism’ – Brilliantly written… a genuinely important book.’
Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2 –
On John’s book: The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism – Something we all need to be reading… an absolutely brilliant book… a great read for all of us