Gareth Barry vows to silence doubters as Premier League record looms
Sunday 27 August 2017 16:44, UK
Gareth Barry has vowed to continue proving his doubters wrong as he stands on the verge of Premier League history.
The former Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton midfielder, now plying his trade at West Brom, is set to make his 630th appearance in the top flight at home to Stoke on Nissan Super Sunday.
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The landmark appearance will draw the 36-year-old ever closer to Ryan Giggs' tally of 632 at the top of the all-time Premier League appearance list.
Asked to reflect on a career, which has spanned more two decades, Barry insisted there is still more to come.
"People do write older players off and I want to keep proving them wrong," he told Soccer Saturday.
"I went to Everton at a relatively old age, where people were doubting me. So to play there for four years, and maybe surprise some fans that I could be a big part of the team, was good.
"I want to keep that going at West Brom. I know the way Tony Pulis plays and I am ready for the challenge.
"My jobs is to help West Brom continue their level of recent years. Clubs want to improve year on year.
It was important that we brought a team player in to the club after Darren Fletcher left, someone with stature. Hopefully Gareth will bring what Fletch did last year.
"They had a fantastic start last season and the challenge is to keep that going right the way to the end of the season and keep those levels high.
"We had a fantastic win on my debut against Burnley, who have a fantastic home record, they surprise a lot of teams.
"So to keep a clean sheet there and get three points was a big confidence boost for ourselves and me personal - to win my first game was a good start."
If Barry features in all of the Baggies' forthcoming Premier League fixtures he will break Giggs' appearance against Arsenal on September 25, live on Monday Night Football.
"It will be a very proud moment," he added. "It won't sink in too much while you're playing because the next game takes your focus away from what you've done.
"But when I finish my career, I'll look back at it. It's something that myself and my family will be proud of."
Asked what the secret behind his longevity was, he added: "Enjoying the game.
"I love training and I love the atmosphere in the dressing room. You've got to have the drive to succeed every week and put pressure on yourself.
"There are so many little things you've got to keep an eye on throughout your career, keeping your levels to a certain standard otherwise you can find yourself dropping out of the tough league I find myself in."
Watch West Brom v Stoke City live on Nissan Super Sunday, 12.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League
