Villa captain Barry told to sign for Liverpool - by his own team-mate

[StevieH]

Villa captain Barry told to sign for Liverpool - by his own team-mate | the Daily Mail

Martin O'Neill may believe Aston Villa are not a feeder club for Liverpool, but not everyone at Villa Park seems to think that way — even in the home dressing-room.

After a Villa performance that demonstrated to Gareth Barry why he may need to move to fill his trophy cabinet, one of his team-mates urged him to experience all that Anfield has to offer.

Former Liverpool striker Patrik Berger said: 'If I was in Gareth's position I would go there tomorrow. It is the opportunity of a lifetime. Liverpool don't come after you every year.

'He is the heart of our team and it would be a massive challenge for him. He would be in the Champions League and challenging to win trophies every year.

'I'm not surprised they want to sign him. He has had a fantastic season and was our main player from the beginning to the end. He has played well for the national team as well. But I think the gap — not just between Villa and the top four but the rest of the League — is big. To break into the top four you would really have to spend a lot of money.

'Everton have tried for the past few years but they only did it once. It is going to be tough for Villa to do that. It will take time and to reach the Champions League you would need to keep players like Gareth.'

According to Villa Park sources, owner Randy Lerner is prepared to back O'Neill financially over a new contract for Barry.

But Olof Mellberg, given a hero's reception after seven years at Villa Park before his summer move to Juventus, added: 'It is hard work in the Barclays Premier League now because a lot of teams are spending money.'

Villa served up a lifeless display on Saturday and O'Neill will have to stump up quickly if he is to keep Barry.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce was defeated just once on Villa soil when he managed their neighbours Birmingham. He retired to the visitors' dressing-room at the end having fully vindicated chairman Dave Whelan's £3million transfer raid for him.

He also apparently picked up a seven-figure cheque for keeping Wigan, second bottom when he joined last November, in the top flight.

Their 31-point haul since has seen them reach safety earlier than many thought possible.

Bruce chortled when quizzed about his bonus. 'I didn't come here to take a drop,' was all he would say in public.

Emile Heskey tested Villa more than John Carew did the visitors. After a deflection handed Antonio Valencia a 52nd-minute opener, the former England striker's flick led to the Ecuadorian firing home a second.

Heskey said: 'It's a relief to be safe. We had the ability but we had a problem with confidence and Steve Bruce has given us that back.

'We have a few players here attracting attention. Steve is a good manager but he knows you can't hold anyone back if they really want to go.'

That point will not be lost on O'Neill this morning.

[hamstrung]

Good on yer Paddy

[ratcatcher]

That's Paddy on his way, then!

[WaltonRed]

Its common sense, Villa are a big enough club but we are one of the biggest in the world.

He'll be here next season.

[Ted]

Paddy's got a boss Scouse accent.

[Rashid]

I'd feel physically sick if one of our players told Torres to sign for Madrid or Barcelona.

[WaltonRed]

But he wouldnt do that because he has'nt played for either of them.

Paddy is speaking from experience.

[Rashid]

Originally Posted by WaltonRed

But he wouldnt do that because he has'nt played for either of them.

Paddy is speaking from experience.

What if Reina told Torres to sign for Barca?

[NIred1]

Paddy knows where his bread's buttered. Good lad!

[ReddOrDedd]

Barry needs to step up. He's 27, which isn't young in football terms, and a quality player like that doesn't want to play at Anfield only twice a season,.

[WaltonRed]

He wouldnt though Rash, Berger has said it because he knows its a step up.

Liverpool compete with Barcelona so there is no need.

[odris]

I just hope people don't refer to him as Gareth, that puts me off him big time, it reminds me of Gareth Gates and everyone knows he is a shit midfielder.

[ReddOrDedd]

Did I say twice? I must have beem fantasising about Villa making it into the European Cup...

[CaramaC]

Originally Posted by odris

I just hope people don't refer to him as Gareth, that puts me off him big time, it reminds me of Gareth Gates and everyone knows he is a shit midfielder.

Gaz Baz it is then.

[Rashid]

I hope we keep Alonso instead.

[hamstrung]

I wish you'd have said sooner

[odris]

Originally Posted by CaramaC

Gaz Baz it is then.

I like it.

[Kennys_spell]

Originally Posted by He who should not be named

What if Reina told Torres to sign for Barca?

Why would he? To be honest though Torres would probably ask him why he left if they're supposed to be that good!

[WaltonRed]

Gaz Baz is even worse than Gareth!

Barry will suffice!

[kop]

Why not have both?