Barry: I want to keep going

, 25 May, 56comments  |  Jump to most recent

Gareth Barry says he has plenty of time to relax when he retires and he has no desire to hang up his boots any time soon.

The 35-year-old's superior performances in Everton's midfield earned him the club's player of the season award for 2015-16 and he is just 38 appearances away from breaking the Premier League appearance record of 632 set by Ryan Giggs.

A consistent presence in the Blues' side this season who spent more time on the sidelines through suspension that because of injury, Barry says he still has the desire and the ability to keep playing at the top level with Everton.

“You have got to know your own body and what your body needs,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“I count myself lucky that my body has been really good with injuries. I've only had a couple of setbacks throughout my career where I have been out for four or five weeks.

“You've got to keep that desire and make sure that you are driving into training every day wanting to give 100 per cent. You take it a day at a time then suddenly you are looking back at 17 or 18 years.

“I've also seen players who have retired and they have all said to keep playing for as long as possible.

“For me, I want to keep going because there is plenty of time after football to relax. Whilst you can still play football, why not keep doing it?”

 

Reader Comments (56)

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Frank Crewe
1 Posted 25/05/2016 at 20:26:42
Well don't let us stop you. Exit's over there.
Phil Hoyle
2 Posted 25/05/2016 at 20:34:47
One of the players for me this year that performed. Feel we missed him when he wasn't in the side. Hope there is some role for him moving forward.
John Malone
3 Posted 25/05/2016 at 20:35:58
Frank, Are you kidding me?

This guy is a class act by far the best midfielder we have at our club even at the age of 35 and having no pace he is still oozes quality and composure and never stop's working.

I only wish we had an attacking midfielder of the same ilk!

Phil Hoyle
4 Posted 25/05/2016 at 20:46:56
Where has all the bitterness come from? The last 2 months is understandable to a certain degree but I am fed up with the total negativity, bitterness and lack of perspective.

Edward Wallis
5 Posted 25/05/2016 at 20:58:30
Frank #1 lmao...great one liner. but don't agree

I say to GB..carry on lad. Was great last season, a class act

Bob Cumiskey
6 Posted 25/05/2016 at 21:00:49
I hope you continue to play for my beloved club for a few years yet.

Great player and my only regret is that he never joined us 10 years ago.

Dave Abrahams
7 Posted 25/05/2016 at 21:02:10
I've got to agree with John Malone, Everton had a poor season, it would have been a lot worse without Barry, in semi final versus Man. United he was seriously missed, Gibson did okay but he was essentially an extra defender, Barry would have made a huge difference.

I think he will be used quite a lot next season no matter who comes in as manager, Barry is well respected throughout the game, a thorough professional.

Mike Moore
8 Posted 25/05/2016 at 21:03:05
Player of the season by a country mile, wish he was ten tears younger, #1 Frank not sure who you have been watching mate?
Tony Draper
9 Posted 25/05/2016 at 21:13:37
Like everyone above I completely agree, Gareth (even in his mid 30's) such an intelligent footballer.

Not only should we not let him step down, we should have him well and truly "boxed off" for his badges and part of the team when he calls it a day.
Credit to Roberto for bringing Gareth here.

Geoff Risebrow
10 Posted 25/05/2016 at 21:18:49
Brilliant footballer. He has at least another season in him. Come on Gaz.
Paul Tran
11 Posted 25/05/2016 at 21:19:47
Best player this season, best player two seasons ago. Ruined by Martinez last season when he kept playing him when he was injured. Doesn't look ready to give up just yet and I'd like to see him stay at the club on the coaching staff when he retires.
Phil Hoyle
12 Posted 25/05/2016 at 21:21:36
Tony #10 - totally agree! Get him signed up!
Ian Burns
13 Posted 25/05/2016 at 21:28:25
Great player for us since he joined from that very first goal saving tackle. My only complaint is that I wish he was a little more vociferous on the field in the Peter Reid mould because I am sure he has the respect of the rest of the players.

Keep on playing GB, you are needed.

Colin Glassar
14 Posted 25/05/2016 at 21:37:33
I must admit Barry has surprised me. I wasn't a fan of his pre-Everton but I am now.
Gerard Carey
15 Posted 25/05/2016 at 22:26:06
Keep going GB, a class act. As others have said pity he wasnt 25 instead of 35.
Colin Metcalfe
16 Posted 25/05/2016 at 22:29:58
Sorry but not a fan , he had a few good moments this season but the Barry/McCarthy axis must be broken up .
If we are to seriously shake things up we cannot rely on a 36yr old in midfield who has no pace and gets so many cautions due to mis timed tackles .
As I said in another thread and I do feel very strongly about this he should not be anywhere near the first team next season , keep him as a squad member until his contract runs out next year -
We need fresh players - Tom Davies take a bow !!
Anthony Flack
17 Posted 25/05/2016 at 22:37:34
And Frank is nowhere to be seen or heard. Stupid post, no credit at all.

Good season from Barry, well done, and a nod for experience.

Michael Farrelly
18 Posted 25/05/2016 at 22:41:47
Gareth Barry has been excellent for us and I can see no reason why he can not continue to play an important role for us for another few seasons yet. However it is vital that we have a succession plan in place for that key central defensive midfield role. Perhaps it could be Tom Davis he certainly impressed in the Norwich game. But if we are serious about challenging for top four and silver wear we need an option in their prime and it isn't Besic, or McCarthy on what I have seen.

I would like to see Stones given a decent run in that position. I feel he could be brilliant playing in front of the back four. He could play with the ball with the security of the central defensive behind him and he could make more of his surges forward which he does well although he needs to work on the quality of his final pass.
Ste Traverse
19 Posted 25/05/2016 at 22:43:03
Barry never had pace when he was 25, so you hardly notice it at 35.

He certainly shown up his younger midfield partner James McCarthy in the season just gone.

He's a class act and still has a big role to play next season.

Denis Richardson
20 Posted 25/05/2016 at 23:27:00
Barry was certainly one of our few players who didn't put the shirt to shame this season. Not sure if he's going to get a regular game next year though under a manager who (hopefully) sets the team out properly.

Don't think he has the legs to screen the defence on his own nor to press the opposition when we don't have the ball and I'd rather not have to play 2 CDMs so that one covers his lack of pace.

Good to have in the squad for another year although his wages are certainly not small but I'd be disappointed if he was a regular starter next season, especially as he turns 36. Would be great to get a CDM who was decent all round - and 10 years younger!

Kieran Kinsella
21 Posted 25/05/2016 at 23:42:52
Interesting to hear from Barry with Lukaku mouthing off. Before RM got fired he didn't say "RM is a good manager," he said "Too me, RM is a good manager." Inference being he isn't good in the eyes of others, presumably Lukaku plus possibly Barkley based on his stroppy field exits after being subbed. It's interesting cause Barry was good all year while they weren't.

So was RM actually good but having to manage some ass holes? And was he good with Barry types but crap at coaching others? Howard and Robles (Twitter apart) have made it clear they were in the Barry camp. Phil pointedly said the players were "50 percent to blame" rather than backing RM. Was this his actual view? Or the least controversial answer a weak leader can give without upsetting anyone too much?

None of this matters now in relation to RM but it does matter to the new manager who is seemingly inheriting a divided dressing room. We need to weed out bad apples as necessary but re-educate those who may have been merely mismanaged. Pienaar has been removed from the poisonous cocktail but Super Kev is another handful for the new man to deal with.

John Raftery
22 Posted 25/05/2016 at 23:44:01
Signing Barry was one of Roberto's good decisions. Gareth kept the team afloat in countless games last season and fully deserved the Player of the Year award. In a recent interview he talked about how he learned to play the holding midfield role from two Italian coaches, Capello and Mancini. His intelligence on and off the ball is something our younger players could definitely learn from.

As regards the McCarthy - Barry axis being broken up I think we have bigger problems elsewhere in the team. Rather than changing the personnel in central midfield it may be we would benefit from changing what they are required to do. For example some thinking is required on the part of the new manager as to how the full backs are deployed. McCarthy showed towards the end of the season that when he is allowed to get forward he has the potential to score goals. Most of the past three seasons he and Barry have been required to hang back to cover the two full backs who were given license to gallop forward.

The shape of the team needs to be more flexible to allow one of the two holding midfielders to get forward more often. It would also help if the team became more compact to reduce the huge gaps between our attackers and our defenders.

Kieran Kinsella
23 Posted 25/05/2016 at 23:48:32
Anyone talking shit about Barry is a clown. Unbelievable. Not quite as bad as the Dave Watson bashing but in a similar vein.
Laurie Hartley
25 Posted 26/05/2016 at 00:16:26
If we can get another season out of Gareth Barry like the last one I will be very happy. He just gets on with his job, is very good at it, plays for the team, and is one tough hombre.
Darryl Ritchie
26 Posted 26/05/2016 at 00:31:39
A long as he can perform at a high level, he will be an important player for us. But at 35, his days as top level player, are numbered. When the drop in ability does happen, it happens quickly.

Whoever the manager is, will have to keep a close eye on his form.

Andrew Presly
27 Posted 26/05/2016 at 00:54:41
The guy who called Dave Watson, even if it was a throw away comment, a piece of shit should be located, tarred and feathered.
Rick Pattinson
29 Posted 26/05/2016 at 01:00:07
We need a 20-year-old Barry added to the squad... top pro; shame he's in his is twilight years.


Jay Harris
30 Posted 26/05/2016 at 04:54:40
It speaks volumes for the man to get player of the season at 35. He reads the game so well and still puts a shift in despite not being the quickest.

Pity some of the other players havent got his ability or attitude.

Anto Byrne
31 Posted 26/05/2016 at 05:27:17
I think the slow ponderous game under Martinez suited him well plus he had McCarthy and sometimes Cleverley doing the heavy engine work, Two central defensive midfielders hardly ever getting forward with the play. Aimless set pieces we never do anything with and susceptible to the fast counter attack.

Barry is a good player but the game is played at a faster pace and, for that reason, we should be looking at that role in the team. Not sure Besic is that man. The new manager should address this fundamental weaknesses in the team as a priority.

Eric Myles
32 Posted 26/05/2016 at 05:38:27
I was sceptical when we bought him but he's turned out to be a great asset. However he can't go on forever so we seriously need to be looking for his replacement this summer.
David Ellis
33 Posted 26/05/2016 at 05:41:29
After all is he not the greatest English player of all time...I am sure I heard that somewhere from a very balanced and sensible expert looking for an adjective beyond "phenomenal"

Which reminds me of a Blackadder 4 moment, "a fate worse than a fate worse than death...you are setting the bar very high there Baron" {the fate turned out to be teaching German schoolgirls home economics until the end of the war}

Mike Green
34 Posted 26/05/2016 at 07:38:14
Proper footballer. First time I saw him live for us was away at West Ham I was a bit stunned at how good he was and had to eat a lot of what I said about him over the years. Wish we'd got him ten years ago.

True professional too. Watch and learn Romelu Lukaku.

Paul Hughes
35 Posted 26/05/2016 at 08:13:26
Barry was our player of the season by a mile (damning with faint praise, I know), he is still an important asset for us. As has been stated above, he never had any pace when he was 25, so he has not lost any now. However, he does have another 10 years' worth of experience, which greatly benefits us.
Thomas Surgenor
36 Posted 26/05/2016 at 08:41:57
Remember when the RS went with Aqualani (sp?) over Gareth Barry?
Thank goodness for Everton sake.
Mike Allison
37 Posted 26/05/2016 at 08:48:26
Mike (34) I think that's true of a lot people.

Barry's another one I'd be looking to keep after his playing career, a great example of professionalism for younger players, I'd love him to stick around for years as part of the back room staff. He had the air of a future manager about him too if he wants to be.

Sam Hoare
38 Posted 26/05/2016 at 09:06:11
Has been very solid for the last couple of seasons. Able to defend and marshal but also create. A very commendable professional.

In an ideal world I think we'd want a slightly younger, quicker version but at the moment he's definitely one of the first names on the team sheet.

Arild Andersen
39 Posted 26/05/2016 at 09:29:47
Barry is a model pro and I'm sure it will be good for Tom Davies to have him around the next seasons or two. As long as he keeps himself fit he'll have plenty to offer, perhaps not every match but definetely on the training ground.
Brian Porter
40 Posted 26/05/2016 at 09:33:33
Yes, sooner or later we need to be looking for someone capable of replacing Gareth Barry, but at present he does seem to be the beating heart at the centre of our team, hence the way we suffered during his absences last season. He offers a footballing brain that few others possess and as long as his fitness holds up we really do need to take advantage of that brain and his ability to drive the team 'from the engine room' so to speak.
I also think Gareth is experienced and professional enough that he'll know without being told when it's time to hang up his boots. I just hope when he does we can retain his services in some kind of coaching capacity. He'd be a great example to the younger players and a great ambassador for the club.
Barry Pearce
41 Posted 26/05/2016 at 10:14:59
Our best player last season by a country mile. Hope he does carry on class act.
Joe Tiesteel
42 Posted 26/05/2016 at 11:15:12
A perfect example of how a true professional behaves. Irrespective of ability, he is the perfect role model for our young stars of the future.
Tim Sharpe
43 Posted 26/05/2016 at 11:35:47
Barry should stay, as a player/coach as bare minimum. We lack players with his calm, intelligent play. Tom Davies can learn bucket loads from him over the next season to break through the season after at latest, to become a first team regular.

I would like to see Stones move forward as well. He is a great defender, but his positional sense and anticipation are both suspect. The defensive midfield role could be perfect for him. Eric Dier from Spurs proved this, and Stones is better than him.

Dale Rose
44 Posted 26/05/2016 at 12:53:15
He's been a great asset to the club, and hopefully will be so for another season. I quite agree – one of Bobby's best buys.
Terry Underwood
45 Posted 26/05/2016 at 13:13:59
One of our best players last season, a born leader and will bring youngsters on a treat, only wish he was 20 years younger. The club should put him through his coaching badges with a view to coaching and maybe more??
Liam Reilly
46 Posted 26/05/2016 at 13:45:12
Lot of respect for Barry and my player of the season too, but can't help feeling that we need a young engine room next season to compete.

Would like Barry to stay but moving towards a player/coaching role; which doesn't appear to be what he wants right now.

Paul Thompson
47 Posted 26/05/2016 at 14:40:56
He'll be an important member of the team for at least another season. Such an intelligent player - it is a pleasure to watch him. Yes, he's never been quick, but he's actually got quite a good engine. In a recent game he ran the furthest of any player (and yes, I know - the compeitiion wasn't great!).
Joe Clitherow
49 Posted 26/05/2016 at 17:26:21
Kieran 21

"So was RM actually good"

No, he was utter shite as was evidenced on many many occasions in the 90 odd mins played once or twice a week irrespective of what happened behind closed doors in the dressing room.

All dressing rooms contain one, a few, or many "ass holes" but with good managers* you don't notice because either the team is winning or their man management keeps them in check or they get rid of them before well before they become a disruptive influence.

The fact that OFM - clearly - did none of the above is more evidence that he was just, well, utter shite.

*I'd say Mourinho may be an exception here because although he is clearly in the category of a "good manager" it is also quite clear that he himself is squarely also in the category of "ass hole"

Tony Draper
50 Posted 26/05/2016 at 17:45:27
Barry has astounded Evertonians, simply because he defies the football pundits who poison our "at the match" reality.

They pour out their heavily processed factory MSG drivel, and then we........ go to the match with our mates, witness, absorb and occasionally the scales fall from our eyes as these "Unwritten Laws of The Game" are proven falsehoods.

Gareth Barry has and MUST remain part of Everton. Had Lukaku put away his chances then I believe that Gareth would be as revered as the so called "Over The Hill Mob" of '84.

This is a quality, intelligent footballer, a man eminently capable of leading a great club to glory as a manager when he is ready. He has been desperately undervalued before, I think this man is a future Everton King.

He has class and style on or off the pitch , but he "takes one for the team", a hero without a song. That, is unfair.

And if we don't ?
Then OUR failure Gareth, not yours, BOSS !

Chris Williams
51 Posted 26/05/2016 at 18:05:03
Tony D

I couldn't agree more. Player of the season for both fans and players. Puts younger players to shame with his fitness and stamina. A cool skilful experienced player who is way ahead of the game in his head. A pleasure to watch in a crap season.

Like you I prefer the evidence of my own eyes

Barry Jones
52 Posted 26/05/2016 at 19:23:55
Wonderful player. A great head on his shoulders. My only concern is can his legs keep going. Certainly no harm in a year by year review.
Dave Ganley
53 Posted 26/05/2016 at 20:05:31
Spot on Tony Draper. I have to admit, 2014/15 season I thought his legs had gone and it was a season too far but this last season he has been a rock for us. I shudder to think how bad we would have been without him. I just wish we could have had him from an earlier age. The way he is playing he has to stay at the club. A real stalwart!!
Ray Griffin
54 Posted 26/05/2016 at 21:31:54
Delighted to read all the positive comments about GB, a proper midfielder & knows when to take a yellow card for the sake of the team.

I had an interesting chat earlier today with an old football mate of mine who's father won a League medal with Everton and who himself played against Argentina and Maradona. He was adamant that Barry was the best player this season by far & praised his attitude and consistency no matter what the circumstance.

So, to be frank Frank (post#1), you haven't a calamine lotion what you're talking about!

Billy Fisher
55 Posted 27/05/2016 at 01:24:20
Should be the captain. No direspect to a naturally quiet industrious player like Phil Jagielka – give him free reign to teach and nurture Mo Besic and McCarthy then on to the coaching staff.
Billy Fisher
56 Posted 27/05/2016 at 01:30:58
He looks like a man playin on a field of kids
Sean McCarthy
57 Posted 27/05/2016 at 02:11:36
Anyone seen or heard from Frank Crewe since his attempt at humour backfired somewhat???

Gareth Barry aged 35 put his younger team mates to shame time and time again last season with his performances. Others, like fist pumping Mo Besic, should watch and learn.

Peter Roberts
58 Posted 28/05/2016 at 10:17:30
How refreshing to read this... a proper professional footballer.
Shaun Murphy
59 Posted 28/05/2016 at 16:22:20
Good player but can't move. Makes no sense to keep hold of old players; get rid.

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