Despite the struggles of Everton, it’s a historic season for Gareth Barry
A few days ago it was confirmed that Everton had sacked Roberto Martinez from his managerial position in the club and this was mainly due to what has been a mediocre season and after having suffered a recent string of defeats against Norwich City, Sunderland and Leicester City.
Everton now has the task of searching for a new manager and even though the 2015-16 Premier League has been a forgettable one for Everton, it’s a significantly important one for Gareth Barry as he marked his name in the history-books of the top tier English League as he broke the Premier League record of having most starts.
On May 11 of 2016, Everton locked horns with Sunderland and Gareth Barry made his 572nd Premier League start as the veteran midfielder surpassed David James who was holding the record by having 571 starts in the English League.
Gareth Barry has recently stated that Roberto Mancini and Fabio Capello have been hugely influential figures in his career as they helped the veteran midfielder in becoming the player that he is today.
The 35 year old English midfielder of Everton, Gareth Barry said: “I was a central midfielder from a young age at school but it was when Fabio Capello came in as England manager that I learned more about the role of being a defensive midfielder. He wasn’t one for mincing his words. He would scream his head off if you were in the wrong place.
Roberto Mancini was of the same mindset. Those two have had a big impact on me learning the defensive mindset. I want to keep going now because there is plenty of time after football to relax.”
Even though the 2015-16 season of the Premier League has seen Everton struggling so much that it forced them on having to sack Roberto Martinez, it’s the season when Gareth Barry secured his place in the history-books of the top tier English League.