As Gareth Barry is set to equal a Premier League record of 571 starts in the Merseyside derby, we look at an often understated career. When you think of Manchester Citys incredible first Premier League title-winning season, Sergio Agueros goals, David Silvas finesse and Yaya Toures rampaging runs often spring to mind.However, certain roles, such as midfield anchors, are often overlooked by fans who dont remember those who do the dirty work. Would Chelsea have won what they did without Claude Makelele? Barcelona without Sergio Busquets? Gareth Barry has forged a career which includes over half a century of England caps by being that midfield metronome - orchestrating things from deep. Barrys greatest achievement is helping anchor that City team that sensationally snatched the title from under arch rivals Manchester Uniteds noses in 2012.Silva, still one of Citys leading lights, voted Barry his Player of the Season that year, and he was not alone in recognising the role Barry played in such success.Gareth is the man, Joe Hart said. When you start to panic, look at Gareth and he just keeps on doing what he is doing - and doing the unselfish role he does. Most Premier League starts Player Starts David James 571 Gareth Barry 570 Frank Lampard 546 Ryan Giggs 522 Gary Speed 521 Mark Schwarzer 514 Barrys career is set to reach new heights on Wednesday night at Anfield, live on Sky Sports, when the 35-year-old could equal David James all-time record of 571 Premier League starts.While Frank Lampard (546 starts), Ryan Giggs (522) and Gary Speed (521) enjoyed evergreen careers, they did not manage the sheer consistency of fitness that Barry has since making his debut for Aston Villa as a 17-year-old - a feat that deserves recognition in itself.Should Toffees boss Roberto Martinez choose to field Barry at least two more times this season, he will maintain an incredible run over making over 30 league appearances in all but one of his last 18 top-flight seasons. Barry enjoyed most success at Man City Having made his name as the engine room in the Villa midfield - making 353 starts for the Villans - Barry became a firm favourite in the west Midlands before moving to City as part of Sheikh Mansours revolution.It was there Barry hit his best form, winning an FA Cup and that famous title success in four years while starting 123 times. Ton up for Aguero Sergio Aguero is the second fastest man to 100 Premier League goals At 32, it seemed Barrys best years were behind him when he headed out on loan to Everton, but his form secured him a permanent switch, and has held down a regular spot at Goodison Park ever since, despite a whole host of younger talent emerging around him. Age has not made him any less combative - his yellow card against Crystal Palace last Wednesday night was his 112th in the Premier League, another record.Martinez did not hold back in praise for Barry after he played a major role in helping Everton overcome old club City in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg in January.I have never seen a player with the incredible professionalism, standards and so level-headed as Gareth Barry, Martinez said. For me he is one of the best English players ever. He could end up with 600 Premier League appearances this season. Barry made his name at Aston Villa To stay playing at such a high level for over two decades is such a rarity in a results-based business. Surely the end is nigh, approaching 36? Not for Barry, and it is that desire that could see him go on to make an insurmountable amount of starts in the top flight.People ask me if I get looked after when it comes to training because I am older, but I dont, Barry said in an interview with the Daily Mail. I train as much as everyone else, do exactly the same. Stopping is something I am not looking forward to. Also See: Ton up for Aguero Klopps derby record Merseyside derby classics Greatest game on Sky Sports . Today, their baseball playing sons were reportedly traded for each other. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Cubs dealt minor league outfield Trevor Gretzky to the Angels for catcher Matt Scioscia. . He had spent 16 days on the disabled list before being activated Thursday. He was batting just .203 when he came to bat in the 11th inning on Sunday.
http://www.officialraidersgear.com/Raid ... ft-Jersey/. He was attracted by the punishing defence, the strong running game and a coaching staff he trusted. The 49ers announced Thursday that Manningham had signed a two-year deal to join the team he helped knock out in the NFC championship game two months ago in their latest offensive upgrade at wide receiver. . It was a move of some time in the making. “He hasnt thrown well, clearly some guys are being used more than him right now and the only way to get out of this funk is to pitch,” said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. .com) - Nathan MacKinnon scored the winning goal in the shootout as the Colorado Avalanche rallied for a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.After completing zero passes in the preseason, Buck Pierce entered Week 1 against Montreal, took his first snap, turned to his right, and wobbled a ball into the hands of Alouettes cornerback Geoff Tisdale. It wasnt what the 33,500 fans at the regular season opening of Investors Group Field were hoping would be written in the history books as the first offensive play at the new home of their Blue and Gold. It ended up being the first of the 31-year-old pivot s three interceptions on the day. The team added a fumble and a turnover on downs to put the total at five versus Montreals one. Not the ratio head coach Tim Burke — or any coach for that matter — is looking for. Granted, the Bombers "O" and Pierce had a great third quarter where he went 7-of-7 for 147 yards and a touchdown to Clarence Denmark, including a 65-yard catch-and-run by Jade Etienne to set it up. But omit the third quarter — albeit, not totally fair, I know — and Pierces day looked like this; 12-of-27 for 111 yards, one TD, and three INTs. The examination is relevant because the Bombers trailed 14-0 less than five minutes into the game, and were again outscored 14-0 in the fourth quarter, relinquishing their nine-point lead to lose 38-33. And although the Buck Pierce reliability-heath discussion is tired, it remains at the forefrront of the offensive analysis.dddddddddddd. Without Buck Pierce, Winnipeg would be up the creek with a water-logged paddle. Joe Mack and the team covet No. 2 Justin Goltzs potential upside — he is big, has the arm strength, is an effective runner, and doesnt have a glaring individual skillset weakness — but he is inexperienced and untested. Although talented, Goltz has not stood out in practice and hasnt looked good in the miniscule amount of actual game action he has seen. CFL rookie Max Hall has shown potential because of his natural skillset and experience starting three games in the NFL, but the 27-year-olds path to starting games in Canada appears to be at least a year away. Or at least the Blue Bombers hope it is. Now Winnipeg did manage a decent 290 yards of net offence against the veteran-laden Als defence in Week 1, but 11 total first downs and only ten carries for 38 yards on the ground is a far cry from success against any team. And while Buck Pierce should show better after shaking most of the rust off in the first game of the season opening home-and-home against the Alouettes, the best help Winnipegs quarterback could receive in Week 2 is for offensive coordinator Gary Crowton to take note of the teams 2012 Most Outstanding Player nominee Chad Simpsons twitter handle: @givechaddaball. ' ' '
