Ex-Celtic manager John Barnes faces bankruptcy over unpaid debt
FORMER Celtic manager John Barnes is facing bankruptcy over an unpaid tax debt.
The former Celts boss, 59, is the subject of a bankruptcy petition from HM Revenue & Customs.
It is not known if Liverpool legend Barnes will oppose the petition or choose to settle his debts to avoid being declared bankrupt.
During a hearing at London’s High Court yesterday, HMRC officer Megan Vanderhook said: “There has been no contact from Mr Barnes, but his agent has requested an adjournment.”
The case will resume on February 27 next year to allow the dad-of-six to take insolvency advice.
Barnes had a lucrative playing career and was one of Liverpool's biggest stars while he also won 79 England caps during the 1980s and 90s and twice won Footballer of the Year.
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The Jamaica-born midfielder has since tried his hand as a manager, author, commentator and pundit.
He was appointed Celtic boss in June 1999 in a 'dream team' partnership with director of football Kenny Dalglish.
He actually got off to an encouraging start before the wheels started to come off.
He was sacked after eight months following an infamous Scottish Cup defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle that spawned the famous Scottish Sun headline 'Super Caley go ballistic Celtic are atrocious'.
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He was declared bankrupt in 2009 over tax debts just days after being sacked as manager of Tranmere Rovers.
At the time, Barnes said the issue was a “tax oversight”. The order was later rescinded.
According to Land Registry documents Barnes, who is famous for his rap on New Order's England World Cup song World in Motion, was also the subject of bankruptcy petitions in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2019.
He returned to Anfield as a club ambassador in November.
Barnes said: "I loved representing LFC as a player and I’m relishing the prospect of wearing the beloved Liver bird crest on my chest once again – albeit on a suit this time around."
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