Lerner wades into Barry debate
by Tom Kell, 12 May 2008
Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner will throw his weight behind the club’s attempts to prevent Gareth Barry heading for pastures new this summer.
Liverpool have already tabled an offer for the England midfielder, while some of the Premier League’s other big-guns are also reported to be sniffing around.
Martin O’Neill was scathing over the manner in which Rafa Benitez’s men went about their bid, and his chairman offered more than a hint that he is equally unhappy.
Now O'Neill has said: "It's interesting and ironic that apparently there was an offer from an Italian club for Steven Gerrard yet Liverpool were quick to remind everyone that he is under contract.
"Gareth has two years left on his contract and we want him to stay. The chairman will talk to him to show how much we value him. We want to do our utmost to keep Gareth because he's so important to us and is back to his brilliant best.
"I will not be made to feel under pressure by other clubs because they want one of our players. We're going to talk it through with Gareth.
"I can't understand why Gareth would want to leave. He's only 27 and has been brilliant for us. He has been selected for England and has played regularly for them because of his exploits with Villa.
"In terms of him playing in the Champions League, we can guarantee him that within the next 23 years!"
Lerner admits he is ‘very pleased’ with the sixth placed finish achieved by his club this season, while O’Neill is also also happy with the progress made under his stewardship, even if he could not hide his disappointment that Villa fell just short in the race for Uefa Cup qualification.
“Last season we would have walked it and even seventh place got automatically into Europe 12 months ago,” said the Ulsterman. "So, from that aspect it’s disappointing but it shouldn’t mask the fact we’ve come on leaps and bounds.
“To do it with the smallest squad in The Premier League has made it particularly impressive, but that’s something we want to address this summer.”