The Continuing Story Of Bareth Garry

The probably-gonna-happen has now become the imminently-gonna-happen. During the last week the whole Gareth Barry to Liverpool hoo-har has suddenly gained a lot of pace, after idling for a while during the Euros.

A week ago, Barry spoke out in a national newspaper, stating that Villa had made no attempt to persuade him to stay and as a result (added to his already prior intent) he wants out. Martin O’Neill struck back, saying that Barry’s comments were untrue but that he has now resigned himself to the fact that he’s leaving and just wants the right price.

Barry was fined 2 weeks wages, reportedly £100,000 and banned from turning up as the rest of the (miniscule) squad returned to training. To me, Barry made a huge mistake speaking out the way he did against MON, insinuating that O’Neill was more interested in being a pundit at the Euros than he was in keeping his captain at the club. If the move goes through now, he will find himself getting a very inhospitable reception at Villa Park on Aug 30th, whereas prior to the bitterness, I think he would’ve been received well by the Holte, thankful for the great ten years service we got from him. Much like the respect Mellberg received at the end of last season.

The big twist in the tale seems to be that Liverpool are refusing to come to an agreement with us on the fee. They have (very) reluctantly raised to £15 million now but MON aren’t budging as yet on the £18 million asking price.

I see no use in trying to keep hold of Barry if he doesn’t want to play for us, so at the minute it all hangs in the balance of Martin and Rafa settling on a mutually agreeable deal. I’ll keep you posted.

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Category: Team News

Tags: Gareth Barry, Liverpool, Rafa Benitez

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