Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Swain on the latest in the Barry saga
Thursday 31st July 2008, 11:40AM BST.
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Express & Star Chief Sports Writer Martin Swain talks to Internet Sports Journalist Craig Birch about the latest news in the Gareth Barry transfer saga.
Aston Villa are claiming that Gareth Barry’s proposed move to Liverpool is dead in the water.
After months of speculation, the club insist the deadline for a final bid from Rafa Benitez has passed.
A statement on the club website said: “During discussions in the past few days, a final deadline to conclude this episode was set that all parties were aware of and agreed to.
“This deadline has now passed and so Gareth will remain with Villa.”
Manager Martin O’Neill later added: “Naturally we’re all absolutely delighted that Gareth will be staying at Villa Park and relieved that there is resolution and closure to the transfer saga.
“At a very positive meeting on Monday it was agreed between Gareth, his agent, Mr Lerner and myself that a deadline should be communicated to Liverpool to finally resolve the situation.
“Liverpool were informed and that deadline came and passed. Now we can all look forward to the season ahead with relief, anticipation and ambition.”
Watch the video and post your comments below.
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What a breath of fresh air to hear journalists realise that the conduct of Liverpool in this saga has been attrocious. I agree that Villa are no longer anyones lapdog and we will stick to our guns.
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Great interview. i totally agree with mr Swain.
Hope Barry stays.. Tottenham didnt “dare” to say no to one of the “big 4″, villa did!
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I agree with all that’s been said and I think it adds to the insult that while they tried to get Gareth on the cheap they were willing to push that deal to one side and pay absolute top dollar for Robbie Keane. It would nice to believe it’s all over but I’m sure the pillow talk will continue between Gareth and Stevie G.
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he at his peak and wants to play champions league you can blame a guy for wanting to better himself. villa wont even get higher enough for uefa cup.
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While your looking into your crystal ball NEILL can you give me tomorrows racing results.
I am a Villa fan. If Barry still wants to go let him put a transfer request in or shut up and get on with it. At the end of the day Gareth your just another player in a team of many. Nobody at the club has the time to spend pandering to your every whim.
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The whole situation is a farce.What amount of teams have the ready cash to buy anyone?,,So using the excuse that Liverpool do not have the cash is a mute point.The big problem I have is that MON says he is annoyed by another manager going public,yet he is acting like he is yacking over a pint at the ROVERS RETURN.I have never heard him comment about “problem” managers poaching other teams players..He is a man on a mission,but quite what it is I am not too sure.Players move on quickly in todays soccer world whether they are good or bad.Just ask Mr Dudek,,,Personally speaking,I feel football of today is a pain,and the actions of individual people can be a bigger pain.The motivating factor is MONEY,,and that pertains to owners and players alike.Oh to have the old days back,,when football was friendly rivalry,and money was minimal.I hope the whole business of the Barry transfer goes away,,one way or another.And managers keep ALL of their business away from the media.And that includes MON.!!!!
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