This is sad because I have the greatest respect for both Gareth Barry and Martin O' Neill. Two of the fiercest and most uncompromising competitors who when on the same page pushed Villa to the next level. You could relive a match watching O' Neill on the sidelines while on the field Barry impressed with his industry. He was Mr. Versatile. He took over Wilfred Bouma's left back position when the Dutchman was injured and did a yeoman job. But recent events have driven a wedge between them.
Barry upset O'Neill by intimating the Villa boss was more interested in being a television pundit for the Euro 2008 finals than speaking to him over his future.
He said: "It's seven weeks now since the season finished but while the gaffer found time to be a pundit for the BCC at Euro 2008, he hasn't found time to speak to me.
It is especially bitter because Barry served 10 years at Villa and follows another veteran, Olof Mellberg, who departed with O'Neill's praises ringing in his ears.
I wish him luck at Liverpool which is where he appears to be heading if Villa can get their price right.
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