How a Passing Taxi Driver Changed John Barnes’ Life Forever

Discover the untold story of how England football legend, John Barnes, was discovered by Watford FC thanks to a chance encounter with a passing taxi driver while playing for Sudbury Court. The incident helped launch his illustrious football career and led to him winning two First Division titles, two FA Cups, and representing England 79 times over a 13-year period.

As a teenager, Barnes was due to head to America on a football scholarship. However, fate had other plans when a taxi driver who happened to be passing by stopped to watch him play. Impressed by what he saw, the driver connected Barnes with a scout who offered him a trial at Watford. Barnes didn’t disappoint and helped Watford climb the ranks from the Fourth Division to the First under Graham Taylor’s guidance.

After a successful stint at Watford, Barnes joined Liverpool in 1987, where he scored 65 goals in 233 league appearances for the club. But that’s not the only extraordinary tale about the Barnes family. Find out how Barnes’ dad, Ken, helped set up a Jamaican bobsleigh team that ultimately inspired the hit movie, Cool Runnings.