W W INTERVIEW
L L
Wirral resident, English former footballer, rapper and manager John Barnes MBE
talks to Wirral Life in an exclusive interview about his family, career, ambitions and
his role as Ambassador for Wirral’s Youth Project - The Hive.
You had an interesting start in life. Born in Jamaica, to
Roderick Kenrick “Ken” Barnes - a Trinidadian and Frances
Jeanne Hill - a Jamaican. You spent your early childhood
living in Jamaica’s biggest military base where you would
play football and live a very disciplined life (John’s father
served in the West India Regiment and later the Jamaica
Defence Force after Jamaica’s independence). Your father
was heavily interested in sport and was president of the
Jamaica Amateur Swimming Association and formed
Jamaica’s first bobsleigh team - later immortalised by the
movie ‘Cool Runnings’. He was a huge football fan who
named you after legendary Welsh footballer John Charles.
When your father was promoted to Colonel and appointed
Defence adviser to the High Commission of Jamaica in
London, you moved to the UK in 1976 when you were 12
years old.
What are your prominent memories of your early days in
England?
My earliest memories in London were spent playing football
for Stowe boys club in Paddington and exploring London as a
13 year old with my new mates.
You had incredible success with Watford in the early days,
but what was it like when you landed at The Kop?
Watford was fantastic and a great learning curve for me to be
with Graham Taylor who taught me so much about humility,
desire, discipline etc... but it was like going to the next level
when I signed for Liverpool football wise, and from the first
day of pre-season, well before the season started, that it felt like
I came home and it fell into place with myself, Peter Beardsley,
Ray Houghton and Aldo. All new players have an almost
telepathic relationship.
You’ve had some surprising chart success as a rapper - a
No.1 with New Order’s World In Motion (their only No.1)
and a No.3 with Anfield Rap. Amazingly you had to cast
against Steve McMahon, Des Walker, Peter Beardsley, Gazza
and Chris ‘Diamond Lights’ Waddle in a rap-off for the gig.
Did you ever consider having a dabble in the musical arena?
The rap was written by Keith Allen and I’ve always loved rap
music since I was a kid. I’m a decent rapper (not singer) but
I don’t write my own lyrics, just copy others so no I’ve never
thought about going into the business!
Who is the current most underrated player in LFC?
Lucas has come through some difficult times at Anfield to
show his true worth whenever called upon in any position.
Who was your favourite manager?
My favourites are Graham Taylor, Kenny Dalglish and Bobby
Robson. They all have different styles, different strengths but
are all very good.
Do you believe the ‘Kick It Out’ campaign is effective?
‘Kick it Out’ is doing all it can to combat racism but as I’ve said
all along, it’s a problem in society first and football second,
so until there are bigger efforts to get rid of it in society, it
will remain in all f acets of society of which football is but one.
Do you still have any desire to manage?
I would love to manage a club at any level but opportunities
are few and far between.
Who were your heroes as a kid?
My father was and still is (although he passed away a few years
ago) my biggest hero and most influential person in my life.
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