Seasons » 2013-14 » Everton News
Barry reborn at Goodison under Martinez
| 19/01/2014
Having been was told he was not part of new Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini''s first-team plans, Barry was already contemplating a move away from the Etihad Stadium last summer when Roberto Martinez paid a visit to his home to discuss the possibility of playing for Everton.
The moment I spoke to the manager, I thought 'I like this bloke, he has a good vision'", Barry says. Within 10 minutes, he'd given me my confidence back, telling me he believed in me, that I could be a focal part of Everton and what we could do at Everton. He left my house and I was thinking this is the move for me.''
The former Aston Villa midfielder took no time endearing himself to the Blue faithful and changing the minds of any doubters who felt he was past his prime.
A last-ditch block to deny Samuel Eto'o an almost certain goal for Chelsea in his first appearance was just the start he was looking for.
“I needed that on my debut — for me and also for the fans. Everton fans might have been thinking ‘is he just here to jog around for a season'. I went into those games thinking I really have to put a big shift in and show the Everton fans I'm not here for a ride for one season. I'm here as a professional. I've wanted to show them I'd put in not just one performance giving 100 per cent but a full season giving 100 per cent.
Barry also seems to appreciate what so many players do once Everton has touched them and he hints that if it's up to him, he will be extending his stay at Goodison beyond the terms of his current loan spell.
“Everton fans don't just come to watch the football," he continues. "They are there for Everton, the club. They really believe in the history of the club. It's drilled through their families, through the years, about Everton. When I see them they say: ‘You'd better be signing next season!' Every time! My answer is the same every time: ‘Hopefully! Hopefully!' That's a genuine answer."
Quotes or other material sourced from The Telegraph
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374 Posted 19/01/2014 at 20:55:05
376 Posted 19/01/2014 at 20:59:19
378 Posted 19/01/2014 at 21:00:05
382 Posted 19/01/2014 at 21:02:18
Barry has been a great signing and his experience and quality are really shining through.
I don't think you can underestimate the influence both Martinez and Barry have had on James McCarthy either.
383 Posted 19/01/2014 at 20:56:33
One of the frames on the wall of fame is left blank: the challenge is for the current generation to fill it with an image of their own deeds.
384 Posted 19/01/2014 at 21:04:43
386 Posted 19/01/2014 at 21:08:12
390 Posted 19/01/2014 at 21:07:34
I believe the shelf life of players at big spending clubs are generally shorter because of the players they can bring in. I always felt he has that drive to play every game and come out on top.
So, if you ask me who he should play for, I would say, at that time, maybe Arsenal or us, because we value longevity and drive of the player. Or that because of finance, we're not going to just buy another player to replace him just because he has a short streak of poor form.
I'm sure there'll be some that will take money to sit on the bench and claim the trophy, but Barry at the time of his transfer, if I remember correctly, is on top form. So I definitely think his place being taken away by Yaya Toure (or someone else) in future seasons is a certainty he should have foreseen.
Just my opinion, as I think he now knows what he want and I can only hope he sees that he can achieve things with us.
401 Posted 19/01/2014 at 21:18:50
The World Cup was not in my mind when the manager (Martinez) came into my house... But the manager (Martinez) came to my house and said: "I believe if you play for us we'll get you back in the team for the World Cup".That in a nutshell is the magic of Martinez!"In the last six weeks, I've had more headlines than I did at City in four years. It's because the manager speaks so highly of me, believes in me, and isn't frightened to tell everyone as well. I've also got to give myself some credit as well!"
408 Posted 19/01/2014 at 21:17:09
RM: "d’you remember when the evil empire tried to tempt you to join their band of cut-throats?
GB: "yes, I believe they tried to entice you too, with talk of untold riches and ’this is our year’ Señor Martinez"
RM: "Yes they did, but an old soothsayer warned me that the future looked grim for them; they’re swashbucktoothed marauder was off to sunnier climes, and the talismanic Capt Bloodsucker was getting old and weary. He no longer has the stomach for a battle amidships. That’s we’re you come in. I want you to destroy him in the decisive battle of Anfield. You will leave him without silver, and I trust you to take his ticket to the great land across the sea known as Rio, and a crusade across Europe in the league of champions. I’ve assembled the greatest team of attacking corsairs this side of the Med, and were on our way to the promised land. Are you with us?
GB: "just hand me the quill oh great one, and ’all for one and one for all’"
RM: "Not quite, it’s Nil Satis Nisi Optimum and Sin Miedo"
415 Posted 19/01/2014 at 21:35:05
I bumped into him at a garage in Birmingham when the RS were in for him I cheerfully quipped "don't score against my club - "Everton" - if you go to the reds" as he paid for his petrol.
Obviously such urbane and sophisticated repartee struck a chord because here we are today.
Clearly his - are you a mentalist smile? - as he wheelspun the Aston off the pumps was a trick of the light but nontheless a small acknowledgement would have been nice.
(What % do agents get? ...hmmm)
416 Posted 19/01/2014 at 22:02:24
417 Posted 19/01/2014 at 22:03:25
421 Posted 19/01/2014 at 22:10:03
The lad is a real asset and I would take a much greater interest in England if he gets his international spot back.
As for footballers wealth well, we're all jealous of that.
425 Posted 19/01/2014 at 22:14:45
What matters to me now is that he's performing well for our club. I certainly hope he will be here next year because he will sure whip up some interest from other clubs. Mick said my sentiments best.
p.s. He played 132 games. 600+ games in 4 years is...
426 Posted 19/01/2014 at 22:20:40
435 Posted 19/01/2014 at 22:31:27
441 Posted 19/01/2014 at 21:37:49
I hope we can keep him come the summer as I would expect a few clubs to come in for him.
452 Posted 19/01/2014 at 23:28:30
Every inch a top four player and model pro into the bargain.
455 Posted 19/01/2014 at 23:37:22
Would explain Cahill's outside chance of the bench when at Bolton but nailed on starter once at Chelsea, or Beckham's 30 caps too many, or Hesky or Phil Jones or or or.
I was nonplussed with Barry's signing, but as someone soon posted after his debut, its only when you pay special attention to him in your own side do you see what he does.
456 Posted 19/01/2014 at 23:34:23
You got that with McCarthy!
I'm struggling to think of a better CM combination for such a perfect mix of youth and experience.
Roberto pulled an absolute master-stroke when he signed these two.
460 Posted 19/01/2014 at 23:25:16
His interview made something quite apparent that is rather extraordinary. Going on form right now, in that group game of England vs Costa Rica, there should be at least five Everton players on the field, four of which play for Everton. I say going on form because I know as well as most that form doesn't always equate with selection. However, if this occurs, in the modern game with so many foreign players kicking about in the leagues, four out of 11 will be quite an achievement.
466 Posted 20/01/2014 at 00:13:41
Hopefully, genuinely meaning "I’ll take a massive decrease in wages to sign with Everton when I’m turning 33 years old" Gareth?
467 Posted 20/01/2014 at 00:07:38
It is not as though McCarthy is having to cover for him either. A genuine partnership that helps out the defence and adds to the attack in equal measure. We are definitely getting his very best effort and considerable (if understated) ability, and he is obviously reveling in it. Looks like he could still hack it on the international stage.
470 Posted 20/01/2014 at 00:22:42
496 Posted 20/01/2014 at 04:30:25
Even though he'd masterminded wins for his Wigan side at places like Anfield and Emirates, they'd also had the hidings. Consistency was a worry. (Okay we'd had the hidings, but not the wins!)
Also the fact that he'd been considered for, and appeared to turn down, "bigger" jobs at Villa and RS was a concern. Was it because he didn't want to be under a Director of Football, or have direct inteference from the owner, or was he lacking in self-belief?
Well, 7 months in I'm happy to confirm what many of you know as a truism, I know sweet FA!
509 Posted 20/01/2014 at 06:58:11
511 Posted 20/01/2014 at 07:25:39
512 Posted 20/01/2014 at 07:31:22
513 Posted 20/01/2014 at 07:23:38
I'm delighted that GB is a proper blue and gets what it means, and I have not a slightest doubt that Roberto is very much responsible for instilling this.
Oh FFS, I'm just happy about bloody everything these days, I just don't want to wake up, please just let me keep dreaming.
516 Posted 20/01/2014 at 08:21:32
538 Posted 20/01/2014 at 09:44:07
562 Posted 20/01/2014 at 11:53:42
Unlike other footballers I've met, he was ego free, happy to talk to fans (mostly City) and a genuinely nice humble guy.
I think all Everton fans are thinking the same thing, 'Hopefully'.
643 Posted 20/01/2014 at 16:53:02
I'll be surprised if he goes to Brazil though as he's been out of the squad for so long, but on merit he should be there shouldn't he?
To be honest he's the only 1 of the loan players I would be unhappy to lose.
Lukaka wants CL and I can't see us getting there our injuries are mounting up, even if Chelsea were willing to sell. The other situation would be his wages
691 Posted 20/01/2014 at 17:58:48
485 Posted 22/01/2014 at 14:54:33
I posted on here that I think Barry will prove to be a gem of a signing. He has a lot to prove that he still has it in him, he will be priceless the experience he brings to the youngsters. His pace was talked about in depth on here and as I said at the time, Reid, Molby, Gasgoine, Bobby Moore didn't have great pace either.
Not just saying it now, but I honestly believed at the time, Barry would turn out to be a great addition to the club.
No matter who we bring in, some will always find a fault before the player has even pulled on the Royal Blue jersey, Harper, Sheedy, Reid, Andy Gray, Ablett, Barry to name but a few. No matter who we bring in, I say give the guy a chance then judge the player.
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370 Posted 19/01/2014 at 20:45:47
Also found it interesting that he and his close friend Gerrard haven't spoken since Barry joined us.