Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has recently refused to shut the door on a possible return to Aston Villa to bring an end to his remarkable 20-year career.
The former Villa captain will have just one year remaining at Goodison Park come the summer and there is no doubt that, given the opportunity, Steve Bruce would snatch the ex-England international up in a heartbeat.
Barry played 441 games for Villa over his 12-year career for the West Midland giants, scoring 52 goals, and is still adored by the claret and blue faithful.
After failing to achieve his dream of playing in the Champions League season after season under Martin O’Neil, Barry packed his bags and signed for up-and-coming Manchester City in 2009. Five years later he joined Everton as a Premier League and FA Cup winner, due to losing his place in the City starting eleven, and retaining a burning desire to play first team football.
To have 24 appearances for sixth placed Everton this season at the age of 36 is a testament to his ability, and a reminder of the talent we once had at Villa Park when he was at his prime. The importance of his experience cannot be underestimated, and he would be a perfect role model for Villa’s young players.
When asked about a Villa Park return, Barry told the Birmingham Mail:
I get asked that a lot. You can never say never. I look out for their results all the time. (The) majority of my friends are from Birmingham supporting either Blues or Villa. It’s good to see Steve Bruce there. He’s started really well. I’ve got a lot of faith in Bruce; he’s a fantastic manager. I think they’re finding their feet again. They’ve had a tough few years and with relegation, it was always going to be hard. They just needed that bit of time to settle, and I believe that Steve Bruce is the right man to do that.
