By JULIA RAVENSCROFT

TOP names in the world of football gathered in Stockton Heath last week to launch their former team-mate's new venture.

Liverpool ace Robbie Fowler and former England and Liverpool striker John Barnes were among guests who met up with friends and sipped wine to celebrate the opening of Rob Jones' new nursery.

Rob and his wife Sue have opened Laurel's Nursery on London Road and are hoping it will prove a big success.

Robbie said: "With Rob, his career was cut short through injuries and he's put a lot of effort into this.

"I'm 25 so I hopefully have a few years left in me before I have to start worrying about what I might do after football but things like nurseries or youth clubs or anything with kids would be great to get involved with."

Robbie said he can deal with all the press coverage he receives, commenting that it's when they stop following him that he will start worrying.

He said: "I had a very lucky break and I think that's important, and my family have been very supportive."

John Barnes said: "I think the nursery is a fantastic idea but I think his wife will be be more involved than Rob."

Talking about his recent work tackling racism in football John, who suffered racist jibes early in his career, said: "We have a long way to go because racism is still as bad in society.

"We've got to give kids the right message."

He said that in his new role as a TV soccer pundit he is lenient with other players because he knows what it's like to miss a goal, but he is not envious of footballers who are still on the pitch.

He said: "I'm 37 now and I'm nearly 15 stone so those days are over for me."

Olympic sprinter Darren Campbell was also on hand to support Rob.

Darren, who had travelled from Cardiff, said: "Out of all the places I have travelled to with athletics Sydney is the place I have enjoyed the most.

"The whole team had an excellent time there."

But on a serious note he added: "I don't think anyone will catch Michael Johnson for some time yet. He is a nice bloke but has that bit extra on the track."

Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, Brookside's Lewis Emerick, who plays Mick Johnson and Blackburn striker Nathan Blake also popped in to offer their support.