John Barnes is poised to return to English football as manager
of Coca-Cola League One side Tranmere, according to the Jamaica
Football Federation.
The former Watford and Liverpool winger, capped 79 times by
England, has stepped down from his role as Jamaica coach in order
to succeed Ronnie Moore, who was sacked by Tranmere at the end of
last season.
New Rover: Barnes
The Jamaica Football Federation vehemently denied reports Barnes
had been sacked and revealed he had notified them of his decision
to step down in order to take charge at Prenton Park.
Barnes, 45, was appointed as coach of the Reggae Boyz in
September last year.
A JFF statement explained: 'His contract was due to expire on
June 30, 2009. Barnes secured a contract with Tranmere Rovers in
England for the upcoming English football season and advised the
JFF of that development last Sunday morning.
'With Barnes securing a job prior to the Gold Cup, the JFF
decided in the long-term interest of the game not to offer him a
short-term extension, but to appoint Theodore Whitmore as national
coach for the remainder of the life of this administration.'
The decision to replace Barnes with Whitmore, Jamaica's coach
during the final three World Cup qualifiers last year, was
confirmed following an emergency meeting of JFF directors.
Jamaican-born Barnes began his playing career with Watford in
1981 and made his debut for the Hornets aged 17 before then
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish paid £900,000 to take him to
Anfield in the summer of 1987.
Barnes quickly cemented his place as one of Liverpool's
outstanding players, playing alongside the likes of Ian Rush, Peter
Beardsley and John Aldridge.