Source: Man_City
Ex-City ace Peter Barnes keeping up dad's mission
| Submit Comments| Comments (2)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapPeter and Ken BarnesFormer Manchester City favourite Peter Barnes is following in his father?s footsteps as he spreads the football gospel far and wide. His late father Ken set up a soccer academy in the Far East a decade ago and Peter is now on a mission to make sure his work is carried on. Barely two weeks after the death of his 81-year-old father, who was a City legend in the 1950s appearing in successive FA Cup Finals for the Blues, Peter went to Malaysia to help run the soccer schools which give hope to hundreds of young children living in poverty. ?My dad left a legacy out here and I?m determined all his good work should continue,? said the 53-year-old, speaking from Kuala Lumpur where he stays with his younger sister Karen. ?Karen came here to live 25 years ago and wanted to do something in dad?s name. The schools were set up with the help of sponsors and kids were provided with kit and football boots. ?Some of the children living on the plantations in little huts have nothing. It?s great to be able to help them and there are still hundreds of schools where kids don?t play any football. Proud ?My dad was very proud of his work over here and he?d come over every summer once the football season had finished.? Ken was chief scout at Maine Road after his playing days and became one of the most respected figures in the game. He even mixed in royal circles during his days in Malaysia. ?The prince here is a big United fan and when my dad got him a signed Bryan Robson shirt he got an invitation to the palace for dinner,? added Peter. ?My family were overwhelmed by the messages of sympathy we received when my dad died. I?ve not had chance to reply to everyone yet but I will be doing so when I come back to England in a few weeks for a visit and to watch City.? Like his dad, Peter played for City ? enjoying two spells at Maine Road in the 70s and 80s and had a period at United sandwiched in between, as well as earning 22 England caps. He is able to follow the progress of both clubs in his role as a TV pundit for ESPN. ?In Malaysia, I see more football fans wearing United, Liverpool and Chelsea shirts than City tops. I suspect that things are changing but City need to win something to get more worldwide exposure,? he said. ?They?ve done well this season but need more consistency away from home. Roberto Mancini does get results but he?s a bit defensively minded and it?s going to be a hard job keeping all the players happy. ?I?d also like to see how City get on against the tougher teams away from home and how they fare when they play United. But overall they?re doing well. ?As for United you can never discard them. I know a lot has been made about their away form but Dimitar Berbatov has had a good start and once Rooney gets going again they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.? What do you think? Have your say.