Gareth Barry is a big loss says Aston Villa boss

Jun 19 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Post

“He wanted to go and he felt Manchester City was the right stage so I won’t argue, particularly when you consider the number of years he spent at the football club.

“It has happened now but he has been a fantastic servant and I wish him all the very best.

“I worked with him for three years, he hardly missed a game and he cemented his place in the national side and has done exceptionally well overall.”

O’Neill has pointed to the spending power of Manchester City as evidence of why Villa must themselves bolster their squad to avoid being overtaken by rivals in the battle to break up the monopoly of the Premier League’s top four.

Despite the transfer market bursting into life with Barry’s move within a fortnight of the end of the season, Villa, in common with many other clubs, have yet to do any business since then, although the manager insists moves are afoot.

“We’re on the lookout,” he confirmed. “Having looked at the market and watched what has developed with the major transfers – Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo particularly – you can definitely say it’s interesting times.

“We are going to have to try and improve even to stand still in this league.

“Manchester City and Tottenham will be looking to improve and I envisage Everton being strong again.”