Gareth Barry: Retired

[brontebilly]

I can't even remember the penalty referred to.

2-0 away win at the Emirates in 07/08 or 8/09 I think, 4-5-1 and we were superb. Young missed the penalty. 4-0 wouldn’t have flattered us.

I was there, one of our great away days. Gabby destroyed Gallas the same day. Was living in London at the time, saw us beat Spurs comfortably at WHL too. Dreadful performance at Fulham with GB and Petrov hopeless in a 4 man midfield though I may have mixed up the seasons on that one.

[Rory]

Ah. I remember Gabby's goal. I also remember a rather undignified comment from a lecturer of mine who had taken great joy the week before, seeing me in my Acorns shirt, in telling me how we were going to "come crashing down to earth at the Emirates".

The following week, I had said absolutely nothing, but he sought me out to tell me how lucky we were and how we didn't play in the 'right spirit'.

I had completely forgotten there was a penalty.

[PeterWithesShin]

[brontebilly]

We looked nailed on for a CL place around then. Think that was the first time MON tried Luke Young at left back. Ashley Young had plenty of gumption about him too, missed pen but still was excellent the same day. Gabby, such a shame really he never truly realised his potential. Something you couldn't say about our midfield general that day and for years, Gareth Barry.

[tomd2103]

Wish him all the best.  One of the best players we have had at the club over the past couple of decades.

[Mister E]

That was a really good side! Great second goal. Even Curtis Davies looked completely at home in defence.

[dcdavecollett]

I haven't seen too many 17-year-olds play for Villa, and there's only one at that age who was the best player on the pitch by a mile -Gareth Barry v Derby, September 1998.

For those who say, "It was only Derby!", Villa were top that day; Derby were second...

[dave shelley]

As a seventeen-year-old, Sid was a bit special too, anyone around at that time will testify to that.  In all my years watching the Villa him and Barry are without doubt the two that stand out for me, and I saw a lot.

[Mister E]

As a seventeen-year-old, Sid was a bit special too, anyone around at that time will testify to that.  In all my years watching the Villa him and Barry are without doubt the two that stand out for me, and I saw a lot.

I testify! Both Cowans and Barry were outstandingly good; and both gave us great service during their career. Talent + attitude = unbeatable combination.

[LeeB]

He was outrageously composed for a 17 year old, and continued to be throughout his career. Top player.

Didn't himself any favours with the News of the World interview though, and playing the Stripeys.

[jwarry]

As a seventeen-year-old, Sid was a bit special too, anyone around at that time will testify to that.  In all my years watching the Villa him and Barry are without doubt the two that stand out for me, and I saw a lot.

Sir Brian wasn’t bad either!

[stevo_st]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08r7mfl

Barry talking a bit of his time at Villa with Dion.
Hopefully the start of a decent media career with a little bit bias for us

[richtheholtender]

He’s actually signed up for Knowle on a “of you desperately need me basis”. Can’t see him every playing but good signing all the same.

[Axl Rose]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08r7mfl

Barry talking a bit of his time at Villa with Dion.
Hopefully the start of a decent media career with a little bit bias for us

Thanks for posting that, mate. I always love listening to Dion, and Barry was class.

[Larry Duff]

I believe He is signing for Monica Star for this season.  They have a some good players.  Hendrie and Barry in midfield with Byfield and Luke Rogers up front will take some stopping.