Former England midfielder Gareth Barry, who holds the record for the most Premier League appearances, has joined Hurstpierpoint, a village team in the 11th tier of English football. The 43-year-old will now play in the second tier of the Mid Sussex Football League.
Barry played 653 top-tier games for Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton, and West Bromwich Albion over a 22-year professional career. He earned 53 caps for England and was part of the squads for Euro 2000 and the 2010 World Cup. Barry also played a significant role in Manchester City’s 2011-12 Premier League title-winning season and won the FA Cup with them.
Hurstpierpoint’s chairman and first-team manager Dudley Christensen expressed excitement about Barry’s arrival. “He came along to training and loved us. I don’t think he’s going to be around to play every week, but he’s a great signing and he’s going to raise our profile,” Christensen told BBC Sport. “I’ll let him do what he wants to do. He can play where he likes, but I expect he’ll sit in front of the defence and be a shield.”
Barry was recently given a warning by the Football Association for breaching regulations over his connection to an £800,000 investment in Swindon Town in 2013. His former agent, Michael Standing, who now coaches at Hurstpierpoint, received a six-month ban for his involvement, which is already considered served.
Barry is not expected to be heavily involved in pre-season, with a first-team debut planned for September. Christensen added, “I imagine he’ll be on the teamsheet. Gareth and Michael, when you see them on the pitch, they’re still both fit as butcher’s dogs.”
Hurstpierpoint announced the signing on social media, stating: “Barry is a Bluedog! We are beyond delighted to announce that former England international and all-time Premier League record appearance holder, Gareth Barry, has signed for Hurstpierpoint Football Club.” The club highlighted Barry’s connection to the village through his friend and coach Michael Standing, and praised his quality in training.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Barry’s debut on the Fairfield turf later this season.
