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Everton: Gareth Barry sets new Premier League appearances record

By Paul Taylor

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Gareth Barry of West Bromwich Albion is faced by Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on September 25, 2017 in London, England. Gareth Barry is making a record 633rd Premier League appearance. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Gareth Barry of West Bromwich Albion is faced by Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on September 25, 2017 in London, England. Gareth Barry is making a record 633rd Premier League appearance. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Prince Rupert’s Tower salutes former Everton midfielder Gareth Barry, who broke the Premier League record for appearances on Monday night, when he played against Arsenal.

You imagine watching a game between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion wouldn’t normally be high on the list of things for Everton fans to do. However, the Monday Night clash between the two sides wasn’t any normal game.

That’s because it marked a special occasion for former Blues’ midfielder Gareth Barry. More specifically, he passed Ryan Giggs and set a new Premier League record with his 633rd appearance.

Unfortunately for Barry, the game ended in a 2-0 win for the Gunners. However, this takes nothing away from a player who eptiomises professionalism, hard work and perseverance.

The 36-year-old has no intention of retiring any time soon, which is part of the reason he left Everton. While Ronald Koeman didn’t want to see him go, he understood and appreciated the desire to continue playing regular first team football.

Now, Barry will set his sights on Giggs’ overall number of league appearances (672). Speaking to The Telegraph‘s Jason Burt and other members of the media, he said:

"“I’m not here to say I’m top of the tree in English football history, I’m aware of that – but I’ll try and get past Ryan’s Football League appearances.”More from Everton FC NewsFurther chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 PartnersMore madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 PartnersEverton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questionsTakeover talk again as 777 back in for Everton purchase after MSP withdrawalEverton striking legend Gray urges Dyche to put Beto and DCL up front"

Barry is unlikely to surpass the all-time top flight record of 849 games, which is held by Peter Shilton. Regardless, his achievement is still remarkable, especially for an outfield player.

The former England international made his league debut way back in May 1998, for Aston Villa. While nowhere close to Giggs on the honours front — who is — he did win a Premier League title and FA Cup, during his time with Manchester City.

Talking of Giggs, he was one of the first people to congratulate Barry. As reported by Sky Sports, the Manchester United legend said:

"“Hi Gareth, massive congratulations on beating my Premier League appearance record. It’s a huge feat.“I know that you’re a professional lad and to play that many games at the top level is a massive achievement. So well done mate, and hopefully there’s many more games to come.”"

Everton and their fans can be proud of the part they played, in helping Barry set the new Premier League record. He made 131 appearances for the Blues, between 2013-17.

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What was your favourite memory from Barry’s time with Everton? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Or feel free to just pass on your congratulations to him, for breaking the Premier League record for appearances.

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