Former England player signs for Hurstpierpoint in 11th tier!

A former England and Premier League midfielder has recently joined an Hurstpierpoint FC 11th tier village club, as he looks to continue his football career into his 40s.

Gareth Barry, who boasts over 500 Premier League appearances for the likes of Aston Villa, Man City, and Everton, recently joined a village club based in Mid-Sussex.

Barry, 43, holds the record for the most Premier League appearances, showing up 653 times in the League across a 22-year professional career.

The defensive midfielder’s new side, however, are somewhat lower in the English Football pyramid.

Hurstpierpoint FC play in the second-tier of the Mid-Sussex Football League, which puts them in the 11th tier of the English system.

The arrival of the Premier League’s most-seasoned player has created a buzz in the Mid-Sussex village, with Hurstpierpoint FC Club first-team manager and Chairman, Dudley Christensen saying:

“He came along to training and loved us. I don’t think he’s going to be around to play every week, but he’s a great signing and he’s going to raise our profile,” Christensen said.

“I’ll let him do what he wants to do. He can play where he likes, but I expect he’ll sit in front of the defence and be a shield.”

The club also took to their X account to say:

“We are beyond delighted to announce that former England international and all-time Premier League record appearance holder, Gareth Barry, has signed for Hurstpierpoint Football Club.”

Gareth Barry’s move to Hurstpierpoint FC sees him reunite with his former agent, Michael Standing, who now works as a coach with the club.

✍️ BARRY IS A BLUEDOG! 🔵🐶

We are beyond delighted to announce that former-England international and all-time Premier League record appearance holder, Gareth Barry, has signed for Hurstpierpoint Football Club. pic.twitter.com/cMsrJcmm4o

— Hurstpierpoint FC (@hurstpierpoint1) July 22, 2024

Both Barry and Standing found themselves in a spot of trouble back in 2013, after being caught foul of financial regulations over their involvement in a £800,000 investment with Swindon Town.

Standing was issued with a 6-month ban, which was considered to have already been served by the time the ruling came around.

Although Barry is not expected to have heavy involvement in the club’s pre-season activities, with his first team debut having been set for September.

Dudley Christensen said “I imagine he’ll be on the teamsheet,” in regard to pre-season matches.

Fans at Hurstpierpoint FC won’t have long to wait before they get to see the Premier League’s most seasoned player in action for their club, as Barry continues his footballing legacy in the English game!