[Football] Sports Life Stories: John Barnes

[Bozza]

Catching the end of a programme I didn't know existed on ITV.

Presumably a series, this episode focused on John Barnes.

I'll be honest - other than THAT goal against Brazil, I'd forgotten just how good he was. I'm sure I knew it at the time, but the memory has faded a bit.

After that, he cuts quite a sad figure now, still with managerial aspirations. I know he had largely disastrous stints at Celtic and Tranmere, but I agree with his point that many managers get sacked and then get another job almost ad infinitum. It does seem strange that he has not been given another opportunity anywhere at any stage. Is it really a race matter as he all but suggested though?

 

[bravohotelalpha]

Sadly very probably

 

[Ex-Staffs Gull]

Sadly I think it is more common when high profile players fail at management the chairmen are afraid of fans reaction if they appoint them. You need at least one successful job to ride out failures. Barnes never had that. Also there are only so many times you can fail before you are damaged goods.

 

[Albion Dan]

You only have to listen to the bloke commentate live matches to realise he could never be a decent manager. The word Monotone was invented for Barnes, no way could he motivate any level of footballer. Some people are cut out for it and others aren't and he was shocking at both attempts he had. Also he was OWNED by John Crumplin football genius. Enough said.

 

[Bruntburger]

Yep, the genius completely marked him out of both games.

 

[sully]

Similar managerial career to Tony Adams. I doubt it has anything to do with race.

 

[Tony Le Mesmer]

Good footballers doesn't mean they will be good managers

 

[pishhead]

Whilst Celtic manager his ineptness gave us the great headline.
"Super Caley go ballistic Celtic are atrocious"

 

[W.C.]

He does come across as particularly bad at his job (or former job, management) but he does have a point, albeit one fans often make, 'How did he get another job??'

But, yeah, what a footballer he was.

 

[pasty]

Yep, the genius completely marked him out of both games.

Beat me to it. First thought that popped into my head reading this thread was JCFG