Gareth Barry tells Aston Villa: I won’t hold you to ransom

Dec 4 2008 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

GARETH Barry says he will not “hold Villa to ransom” this season over his future and says he has no intention of buying up his contract and taking advantage of the Webster ruling next summer.

Barry says the issue of a new contract is not as black and white as whether Villa finish in the top four and has set his heart on remaining in England.

That in itself could come as a boost to Villa even if they cannot convince him to stay as it would make it highly unlikely they will suffer the double blow of losing the player and around £10million-£12million in terms of a transfer fee.

Barry says it is not just about Villa finishing fourth.

“It would be unfair of me, it’s just not going to be like that. I would never like to be holding people to ransom over things like that,’’ he said.

“It’s about achieving things and making strides forward and since Martin O’Neill’s been here that’s something that we’ve done.”

Barry wants to reassure supporters that he will be going all out to make his ambitions come true this season.

“It’s a simple message to the fans. I’m giving 100 per cent for Aston Villa this season and looking to achieve things,’’ he said.

“Until the season is finished I’m not thinking of anything else.”

Barry could conceivably follow the route of Andy Webster, who broke his contract