Barry turns down new Stanley deal ‘I’m happy to finally get it done as this is a tough time for players’

SHELDAN KEAY

FORMER Accrington Stanley midfielder Anthony Barry has revealed he joined Wrexham in order to be part of the team that achieves history and wins promotion back to the Football League.

The 30-year-old turned down a new deal at the Wham Stadium in favour of dropping down a division and joining the National League side.

The forthcoming campaign will be Wrexham’s ninth season in a row in the National League, and Barry feels that helping the team get back where they belong was a good enough reason for him to depart the Reds.

“I’ve joined Wrexham because of the size of this club and the history of this club, but also the frustration for the club to get back where they belong,” he said.

“It’s a chance to get it right and be part of the team that gets back in the Football League which everyone wants.

“I’m happy to finally get it done as this is a tough time for players. I’ve been speaking to a lot of different managers and it’s just about making the right choice and I feel I’ve definitely done that.

“I’ve heard a lot about the manager as well so it’s a good opportunity to play underneath him.”

Barry helped former club Accrington win pro- motion to the Football League during his first spell back in 2005, and he hopes to use that experience to achieve the same success a decade later.

“I’ve been reasonably successful in my career. At Accrington we were in the play-offs last season and I’ve won the National League with both them and Fleetwood,” he said.

“I’ve got the experience and I know what it takes to get out of this league, so I believe here.

“I’ve still got other qualities with and without the ball though and I give a lot in the changing room.”

Barry played a total of 11 matches in all competitions for Stanley last season, but none of his appearances came from January onwards. His last game was in December when he played in the 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth in the FA Cup. that’s why I’m