Welcome back to Last Word On Football’s look at some of Liverpool’s most iconic figures. From players to managers, we look at who has an impact during their time at the club that no Liverpool fan will ever forget. Next up is the brilliant John Barnes.
Barnes was a hugely popular figure during his decade at Liverpool. The winger collected eight pieces of silverware including two league titles, but he will be remembered for his terrific skills and pace and the occasional rap.
Icons Of Liverpool: John Barnes
A Dream Debut Season
Liverpool paid Watford £900,000 to bring Barnes to Anfield in 1987. Barnes’ arrival was part of the Kenny Dalglish revolution to pump young blood into the Liverpool team. Barnes joined the likes of John Aldridge, Ray Houghton, and Peter Beardsley in signing for the club in the summer of 1987.
The winger soon made a big impression at his new club helping to a win over Arsenal on his debut in August 1987. His first goal would arrive a month later in a comfortable win over Oxford United.
Barnes’ debut season was one to saviour; he notched 15 goals as Liverpool went on to win the first division title in 1988. His league goal tally was only bettered by John Aldridge and his debut season was crowned with the PFA Player of the Year and Football Writer’s Player of the Year awards for the 1987/88 season.
A Difficult Year
The 1988/89 season brought heartache and pain for not just the team but the city of Liverpool as a whole. The Hillsborough disaster in April 1989 rocked world football and affected much of the Liverpool team including Barnes.
However, his application and attitude were outstanding during this horrific time. Barnes attended several funerals for the victims and regularly visited the injured in hospital. He even pulled out of international duty to fulfil his commitments to the fans and the club. Liverpool’s difficult season was crowned with the 1989 FA Cup which was dedicated to all the victims of the disaster.
Return To League Glory
Liverpool failed to defend their league title but unsurprisingly returned to the top of England’s footballing tree in 1990 as Barnes collected his second league title. Once again, he played an integral role scoring an impressive 22 goals from the left side of Liverpool’s attack. His highest personal tally for goals in a single season. The pacey winger collected his second Writer’s Player of the Year award as Liverpool started the new decade with title success.
A Regular Performer for the Reds
The 1990s was a transitional time for Liverpool which success dwindling as the decade continued. However, Barnes was a consistent regular in the Liverpool team. He notched 16 goals in the 1990/91 season as Liverpool missed out on the league title to Arsenal.
Liverpool struggled the following season under new manager Graeme Souness. The Reds finished sixth in the league but did manage to win the 1992 FA Cup. It was a difficult season for Barnes with injuries limiting him to just 12 appearances. It was a tough period under Souness with several players including Barnes clashing with the manager. Barnes had to apologise after heavily criticising Souness in an interview.
John Barnes: Conversion to Central Midfield
With injuries taking away his explosive pace and power, Barnes moved into a more central role in the heart of the Liverpool team. It was a successful transition with Barnes impressing both on and off the ball.
The transition into the central areas of the pitch saw Barnes recalled to the England squad during the 1994/95 season. He notched nine goals from the heart of midfield with Liverpool manager Roy Evans giving him the license to charge forward.
Barnes collected the 1994/95 league cup as Liverpool beat Bolton Wanderers in the final which would be Barnes’ final piece of silverware at Liverpool.
Taking the Captaincy and a Sombre Departure
The 1995/96 campaign saw Barnes move into a deeper role in midfield with Roy Evans preferring the use of younger players in the attacking areas of the pitch. Barnes thrived in a deeper and eventually became full-time captain of the club when Ian Rush left for Leeds United.
The following season would prove to be Barnes’ last in the colours of Liverpool. He missed just three games as Liverpool fell short of the league title being overhauled by Manchester United during the second half of the season. The Reds eventually finished in fourth place after an inconsistent second half of the season.
After 407 appearances and 108 goals across ten magnificent years at the club, Barnes departed in August 1997 on a free transfer. He had written himself into Liverpool folklore for his terrific goals, pace, skills, and amazing attitude. Barnes would eventually join Newcastle United before eventually retiring in 1999.
John Barnes: A Liverpool Icon Breaking Barriers
John Barnes was a terrific servant for the club playing a vital role in Liverpool’s success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Liverpool fans will fondly remember Barnes’ goals and skills. However, it was not all plain sailing for the England winger with Barnes noting several times he was racially abused by the fans who once chanted his name.
He fought adversity brilliantly and deserves huge respect for breaking the barriers and doing it with a smile on his face. He brought joy to Liverpool fans and has certainly built a strong relationship with the fans. Barnes isn’t just a Liverpool icon but an icon of English football.
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