25 years ago: John Barnes signs
On Saturday it was 25 years to the day a true Anfield legend signed for Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool.
Jamaican-born John Barnes was 23 when he arrived on Merseyside from Watford. An awesome blend of strength and skill, he ensured a front row seat in the Kemlyn Road or Paddock was one of the hottest tickets in town.
There has been no finer sight in football than John Barnes in his pomp gliding down the wing.
Arriving alongside fellow attackers John Aldridge and Peter Beardsley, the trio had Anfield purring from day one, and over the next few seasons 'full house' signs became a permanent fixture outside the Kop gates as the team endeavoured to play some of the most entertaining football English terraces have ever seen.
A stunning free-kick against Oxford on his home debut was followed by a superb solo strike against QPR. His sweet left foot was to prove the downfall of many a team as Liverpool took football in this country to new heights, completing a record-equalling 29-game unbeaten run and, ultimately, clinching a 17th league title.
Unsurprisingly, Digger walked away with both 1987-88 Player of the Year accolades but defeat to Wimbledon in the FA Cup final denied him and his teammates a dream double.
As well as an excellent footballer, he was also an accomplished rapper, performing on both the 'Anfield Rap' and New Order's 'World in Motion'.
The positive influence he exerted on the club's up-and-coming youngsters meant Barnes was the ideal man to succeed Ian Rush as captain in the mid-1990s, with the likes of Robbie Fowler, Jamie Redknapp and Steve McManaman all benefiting from playing and training alongside a true great.
His intelligent football brain allowed him to dictate play with the minimum of movement. Short, sharp and measured passes became the key components of his game and, with him orchestrating proceedings, possession was very rarely conceded.
Barnes led the side out at the 1996 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United in what was to be his last high-profile game for the club.
A year later, the midfielder finally brought the curtain down on his illustrious Anfield career with a move to Newcastle.
The qualities he possessed would have seen him walk into any of the great Liverpool sides of the past – no lesser a figure than Bob Paisley once said as much.
Just as the No.7 shirt will always be associated with Kenny Dalglish, the No.10 will forever belong to Barnes.
