Here’s Hoping This West Ham Rumour Isn’t True

As always we are being linked with every name under the sun that appears to have fallen down the pecking order at their current clubs. Why is it that journalists feel the urge to link us with every second fiddle player, rather than first choice stars, is beyond me at times. The next person it appears that we are in pursuit of is Manchester City’s very own, Gareth Barry.

With imminent arrivals at the Etihad Stadium, Manuel Pellegrini will be looking to move on some of the deadwood that plagues the reserves and bench of an ever-growing City side of highly priced stars. One of those players happens to be Gareth Barry who hasn’t featured since the dominating performances of Yaya Toure increased and whilst the signings of Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell didn’t help his situation either.

Manchester City have some talented midfield players, with the likes of Samir Nasri and David Silva already at the club. Whilst the signings of Jesus Navas and Fernandinho are only going to push Barry further towards the exit door.

There is no doubt Barry has had his fair share of criticism (some valid and some a little harsh) however, would he be capable of adding quality to our side, or just damage our wage bill and anger fans with lacklustre performances? I personally feel if Big Sam can help him develop a high level of fitness and if he wears the shirt with pride and determination, then he could offer us something. However, I cannot help but feel he is not what we need though. He is getting on in his career and it looks as though he just does not have the energy anymore and in this modern game, stamina and pace appear to be everything.

If we were to sign him, I could not see us getting more than a possible 2 good seasons out of him, until his body gives in to the pace of the game. Taking that into account, unless somehow he managed to help us on a cup run or finish in a Europa League spot, this to me is quite simply a no go and a huge step back.

The way I look at this rumour is, what can he offer us that Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan, Jack Collison, Joe Cole, Momo Diame and Co, cannot offer us? The answer is nothing apart from experience (I can imagine it being a high fee to pay for just experience).

There are many other targets we could be trying to snap up for cheaper fee’s, more potential/ability, as well as younger and more determined characters. Although, unless Big Sam fancies playing more of an attracting type of football, I believe our central midfield areas are covered with god quality and he should focus on weaker areas such as signing a player to play off Andy Carroll (other than Kevin Nolan), a talented right winger and some decent fullbacks. Gareth Barry however, should not be an avenue we go down.

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