Writer: J P Fear 
Date:Tuesday June 2 2009
Time: 3:24PM
Graham Taylor has told Setanta Sports News that Gareth Barry must have faith that Manchester City will be bringing in the right quality to compete for a Champions League place next season.
It also surely means that Barry has run out of faith in our ability to do the same?
Taylor added, 'It would also be silly not to say that the amount of money – I’m not in any way suggesting Mark Hughes is going to be going absolutely crazy in the salaries that they give people – has to be a factor. I think Barry’s honest enough probably to admit that.'
He also suggests that maybe Barry simply things, after 11 years at one club , that it is time for a change but wanrs 'What he has to be careful about, and what I’m sure he’s aware of, is that there’s nothing greater than playing in the international team and playing in a World Cup, and we’ve got that in 12 months’ time. At Aston Villa it’s almost certain he will be a regular player, and I think he would be at Manchester City. I’m not so certain that could be the case at Liverpool.'
Liverpool skipper and bestest mate with Barry, Steven Gerrard has urged his pal to forget Manchester City and look to an Anfield move. Is the talks with City maybe a way to bring out interest from other clubs to save another summer saga?
Gerrard said: 'Would I still like to see Gareth Barry join Liverpool? Yes. He is a top player. Top players improve your team and squad. He is a Liverpool type of player. He is very clever but he is still an Aston Villa player and I don’t want to disrespect Martin O’Neill. If it happens, then great.'
He also says it is clear when you watch Villa that Barry is 'their main man, their captain, their leader.'
The battle rages on in our forum on this issue with a fair amount of anger and bemusement... along with some who understand the need for change and obviously the odd extra pound note: Click Here
Meanwhile Martin O'Neill has told the Birmingham Mail that both Steve Sidwell and Nigel Hokey-Cokey are in his plans, even more so if Barry goes surely?
'It’s been frustrating for them but we need every able-bodied player that we have at the football club and we need players to perform at a high level if we are going to keep our position and maintain it.' Adding, 'If we qualify for the group stages of the Europa League we will need bodies, absolutely.'
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Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.
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