In the light of some of the bile being directed at Barry in certain quarters, a cautionary tale.
Over 30 years ago I was living in London and went to a midweek match between Millwall and Sheffield United. United's captain was Eddie Colquhoun. Their star player was Tony Currie, an England international. Another notable player was their right winger Alan Woodward.
Woodward was at that time on the transfer list at his own request. This was obviously the reason why Colquhoun and one or two of his lackeys kept up a stream of invective against their teammate Woodward, "Come on Woodward, run you bastard" etc. From the first minute too. Whereas when dear Tony Currie fluffed an easy chance it was all "bad luck Tony!"
It takes something to produce comments of sympathy about visiting players from Millwall fans such as "Dis is emBArrassing innit" and "Dey don't like him do dey, poor **n*."
Then with the score still at 0-0 Sheffield United got a free kick out on the right and Colquhoun bellowed "Do something for once Woodward will you?" Woodward put the ball down, wheeled round, lazily swung a boot at it and produced the perfect cross, which Currie nodded in for the only goal of the match.
When they'd all finished congratulating Currie, Colquhoun (quickly followed by the captain's pets) clapped his hands and shouted, "Great ball Woody." Woodward just had a quiet spit and carried on running back to his own half for the restart.
Tony Currie (at United 1968-76), Alan Woodward (at United 1964-78 ). Yes, not long after that Currie moved to Leeds, who were then a far bigger club than Sheffield United. Woodward meanwhile came off the transfer list and never did leave Sheffield until he was finally shipped off to US football.
Possibly by the time you read this Gareth Barry will have signed for Liverpool. If not will he really have lost your respect for ever and ever... or failing that for ever such a long time? No doubt all those years ago Sheffield United fans gave Woodward far more stick than his captain did. No doubt when Currie finally left for Leeds they were all a little upset, but got behind Woodward (long since forgiven) and the rest of the lads. Time can be a great healer.
And no doubt Barry will have gone and the author of the original article, one who normally preaches patience and tranquility, will have been justified by entitling it "The Career of Gareth Barry (1998-2008) RIP".