It’s been business as usual says Barry

DARREN Barry reckons the departure of Worcester boss Dean Ryan has only strengthened his side’s resolve.

Second row Barry, a standout performer in last season’s campaign after joining from the Cornish Pirates, is confident the Sixways outfit can cast off their reputation as serial relegation strugglers by challenging the top teams.

Barry, below, told TRP: “With Dean leaving, people outside the club might be questioning what’s going on, but it’s been business as usual here and none of the other coaching staff have changed.

“It feels exactly the same except that we’ve added a handful of proven players, and there’s real confidence here now.

“Worcester’s always been a bit of a yo-yo club but we’ve got a more competitive squad than last year and with a good number of U20s guys coming through, we’re confident we can push higher.

“We beat Harlequins and Newcastle away last year and we know we can get big results.

“If we can maintain our home form and squeeze out a few more wins, we should be looking comfortably at mid-table and anything on top of that will be a bonus, but this club is capable of competing in the top half.”

Barry, 26, is a late developer having failed to make the breakthrough at home town club Bristol before moving to Penzance in 2012.

He explained: “I came off the bench in the 2010 Championship final against Exeter but just couldn’t get in the team after that. The three years I spent down at the Pirates was huge and moving from home made me grow up and taught me a lot.

“Pirates gave me my confidence back and by coming to Worcester and playing with Donncha O’Callaghan, I’ve learnt more from him about professionalism. “Barring a few weeks of injury, I started 17 Premiership games last season and want to do the same again.”