Anthony Barry: Chelsea’s underplayed signing could make the difference

Chelsea has been making transfer headlines ever since the summer window opened, but might a new coach be one of their most vital recruits?

Kai Havertz. Ben Chilwell. Thiago Silva. Names that have been repeated over and over now Chelsea can begin to acquire players once again. Sooner or later, they appeared destined to step foot into Stamford Bridge, meet with adulation from the Blues faithful.

However, there is one transfer that has gone completely under the radar to many. An arrival that could have just as much impact as those paid to entertain and excite on the pitch. Anthony Barry has an important role to play in the evolution of Chelsea football club.

Barry was recently named on Frank Lampard’s backroom staff before the resumption of the 2020/21 season, joining from relegated Championship side, Wigan Athletic. At the Latics, he worked under Paul Cook, the pair forming a fine relationship that began back in 2017. During their maiden spell together, Cook and Barry masterminded Wigan’s instant return to the second division as champions.

Their finalized position of 23rd in the recent campaign only told a fraction of an extremely tragic story. Wigan was left in a dire state by their owners, causing a 12-point deduction and leaving the Latics in administration. This came as an even crueler blow considering they had lost just two of their remaining 18 league fixtures and should have finished in 13th.

As a result, Cook resigned from his post, shortly followed by Barry’s surprise move to Chelsea, having narrowly missed out on the Tranmere vacancy earlier this summer. Now in South West London, the Liverpudlian has a fantastic chance to expand his CV.

But why should this matter to Chelsea, considering the plethora of talent already at their disposal? For one, the Blues have obtained a serial winner in their ranks. During his playing days, Barry won the National League with Accrington Stanley, reached the playoff final with Yeovil, and earned back-to-back promotions with Fleetwood, alongside the League One title win with Wigan as a coach.

Granted, Chelsea has World Cup and Champions League victors in their squad, not to mention their trophy-laden manager. Yet, to be successful in the lower echelons of English football is a whole other ball game. The mindset is completely different; often, these players are fighting for their livelihoods. Barry would install a grit and determination that can be lacking in those who have had their careers presented to them on a silver platter.

This will benefit them, not only the dying embers of matches but the last stretch in a season that for Chelsea, should be brimming with relentless action. That willpower to fight until the very last whistle, a mentality that has come under criticism during Lampard’s rein.

Interestingly enough, Barry already has ties to Chelsea. In 2018/19, one Reece James was on the roster with the Latics having been sent out on loan by the Blues. Unsurprisingly, the 20-year-old flourished in his new settings, earning the Player and Players Player of the Year award, alongside Wigan’s Goal of the Season competition. His tutor: Barry himself.

With a connection already formed, James, under Barry’s guidance, should now begin to flourish even further. His spot as Chelsea’s first choice right back is still under consideration with Cesar Azpilicueta showing no signs of slowing down. Furthermore, competition for places as England’s full back has never been fiercer. This now feels like a momentous period for the young man, one which Barry could heavily influence.

Barry has also previously come into contact with Lampard and Jody Morris, all three-spending time together on the same UEFA Pro Licence course. This makes the decision to bring the 34-year-old on board the project more obvious, whilst proving how highly they rate the recently-retired midfielder. And there is another link; Lampard and Morris, formerly midfielders themselves, have seen fit to add another of the same elk into their team. A like-minded approach from all parties can only be positive for Chelsea, especially as the midfield is arguably the most uncertain area for the Blues in this current climate.

Anthony Barry’s appearance signals a change. Chelsea has decided to broaden their horizons, bringing in someone who has no direct affiliation with the club. A fresh pair of eyes is exactly what the Blues require if they are to push on to another level. Barry brings exactly that.