West Bromwich Albion have completed the signing of Gareth Barry who, according to Tony Pulis, will help fill the void left by Darren Fletcher.
Former Manchester United ace Fletcher had captained the Baggies up until his departure earlier this summer, when he rejected a new contract at the Hawthorns to join Stoke City. But the Baggies have now landed someone of equal standing in the game, having secured the signature of former England ace Barry from Everton on a one-year contract.
“There was a big void when we lost ‘Fletch’ and Gareth Barry will fill that void,” revealed the Albion manager. “He really wants to play and I’m really looking forward to working with him. He’s a fantastic player and I think his attitude towards playing is really gauged by the fact that Everton had offered him a two-year contract to stay with them.”
Barry missed the Toffees opening day win against Stoke on Saturday with an ankle problem, and will be assessed ahead of West Brom’s trip to Bournemouth. The 36-year-old will be eager to get his boots on sooner rather than later, as his 628 Premier League appearances is just four short of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs’ all-time record.
