Ex-England Player, John Barnes arrives in the Territory today to conduct a series of Coaching Clinics and will also play in an exhibition six-a-side tournament as well as be the guest of Honour at a fundraising dinner. Photo credit: supplied

Barnes was better known for his club exploits, but did score a wonder goal against Brazil and was recognized as being the second Black player to represent England as a full International. Photo credit: supplied

John Charles Bryan Barnes MBE (born November 7, 1963) is a Jamaican-born former footballer and manager, who currently works as a commentator and pundit for ESPN[1] and SuperSport. During his playing career, Barnes had successful periods at Watford and Liverpool in the 1980s and 1990s, winning the First Division twice, the FA Cup twice, and playing for England 79 times (at the time, a record for a black player). After a period at Newcastle United, he ended his playing career at Charlton Athletic in 1999.

After retiring as a player, Barnes had a brief stint as head coach of Celtic in 1999–2000, working alongside Kenny Dalglish. He took over as manager of the Jamaica national team in 2008, but resigned six months later to become manager at Tranmere Rovers. He was sacked by Tranmere in 2009, after a series of poor results.

Though a Jamaican by birth, Barnes opted to represent the country he had lived in since the age of 12 and was given his England debut by Bobby Robson on May 28, 1983, when he came on as a second half replacement for Watford team-mate Luther Blissett as England drew 0–0 with Northern Ireland in a British Championship match at Windsor Park, Belfast. He and Blissett were among the first black footballers to be full England internationals.

On June 10, 1984 Barnes scored a goal against Brazil, when he outpaced and out-thought several Brazilian defenders before rounding Roberto Costa and slotting the ball into an empty net during a friendly match at the Estádio do Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The goal brought him worldwide fame but also a sense of heavy expectation.

Barnes will be in the Virgin Islands to help promote grassroots football and raise funds for the Sea Cows Bay Manatees, which according to the organisers is the VI’s only grassroots programme. In association with Maples, EMCs and Long Bay, John will host a two day youth coaching clinic on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as a 6-a-side tournament on Wednesday night, before a formal dinner on Friday.

Thirty seven children have already signed up for the free two-day coaching clinic, which will run from 3-5 P.M. at the A.O. Shirley ground on both days. Despite the positive numbers, there are still a limited number of spaces available. The sessions are for children from the ages of 5-14 and if you would like to register your child please email woluesyouthcoaching@hotmail.com.

The 6-a-side team allocations are now full. Teams will take to the A.O. Shirley Ground on Wednesday night to play alongside John in what looks set to be excellent, fun filled competition. Whilst the teams are decided, spectators are still welcome to come down and enjoy the bar whilst watching the ex-Liverpool and England legend play.

Tickets are also sold out for the formal dinner on Friday night at Long Bay Resort, West End. However, John will be on hand at the BVI FA’s award presentation on Saturday night as well as doing a coaching session with the BVI FA’s U14 School of Excellence.