Louie Barry on reuniting with Sellés at Sheffield United | OneFootball

Louie Barry is a rare kind of Sheffield United signing. Like many other rumours before him he has been linked with the club for a while. But unlike Cashin and Oxlade-Chamberlain, he’s arrived at Bramall Lane.

A big factor in his arrival is Sheffield United manager Rubén Sellés, the pair only spent four games with each other last season. With Barry unfortunately injured soon after joining Hull City in January.

It’s safe to say he’s excited to get a second chance with Sellés. With his initial words telling Blades more about what to expect from Sellés’ United. Here’s everything he had to say to club media at his announcement this afternoon.

On Rubén Sellés

Barry was quick in his entrance interview to name Sellés as a key reason for moving to Bramall Lane. Insisting his style of play was a key factor in his decision-making.

He said: “He was a big factor in choosing United. Only had a short spell, unfortunately last season I got injured whilst with him. But he had a big role on me when I was there.

“I love his style of play, it’s exactly what I stand for as a player intense and front-footed and wanting to get to the goal as soon as possible. I’ve got a really good relationship with the gaffer. I can’t wait to get training and get his style of play into the Sheffield United team.”

Barry first admired Sellés’ style of player during Hull City’s 3-0 victory over the Blades at Bramall Lane last season. Sellés’ Friday night demolition of the home side convinced Barry to join the Tigers.

He said: “I watched the game it was the game before I decided to go to Hull I spoke with Rubén before the game and everything he said to me came to fruition in that game and weirdly that’s the reason I went to Hull and the reason I came here.”

On Preseason

In addition, to being excited by their time together at Hull City. Barry has been impressed by Sellés and the Blades performances so far this preseason.

“I’m buzzing to be fair the first time I heard about it I couldn’t wait to come here and put pen to paper.

“It’s quite early but 11 goals in two games speaks for itself I love teams that score for fun. I love teams while it’s not ideal that can win 5-4. Watching the way they play and what the manager wants to instil in them I think they’ve learnt it very quickly from what I’ve seen. I was chomping at the bit to come.”

On playing in the Championship

After impressing in League Two and League One with Stockport County, the natural next step for Barry is England’s second tier. He got a small taste of it before his unfortunate injury for Hull. Something that has clearly left him eager to have another go at the division.

“To play in the Championship is what I wanted. My stepping stones have been up and up and up. I’ve always wanted to crack the Championship. I know my ability, I know I can do it. I can’t wait.

“It was hard cause I had a small stint away from games after leaving Stockport and had to get my fitness back. The few games I had at Hull I knew I could crack it at this level.”

Relationship with Ollie Norwood

Whilst at Stockport County last season, Barry played with former Blades captain Oliver Norwood. The veteran midfielder has left quite an impression on Barry. With the young midfielder admitting the significant role Norwood played in pushing his development.

“Last season I was with Stockport when Ollie came in to train. At first I thought wow it’s Oliver Norwood I’ve watched him play against Villa a lot in the Championship and the Premier League. Unbelievable player could pick out a ball anywhere. You wouldn’t even know if he was going to pass to you and the ball would be at your foot.

“He helped me a lot, he gave me abuse, he wanted the best for me, from a player like him it came from the right place and it really helped me. I wanted to work harder because he was behind me and I can’t thank him enough.

Takeaways

Barry is certainly an exciting signing for Sheffield United. His arrival as a skilful forward with an eye for goal is exactly what the new Sellés’ system needs. His signing also shows the pull that Sellés has as a manager. Having convinced Barry to join him at two clubs mainly on style of play and partly on the short period working together.

The front foot style of football, Barry describes has been on display in preseason. Hopefully, by signing Barry and more players excited to play the attacking system. The preseason success can translate to a rewarding Championship season ahead.