As the thread title suggests, I think it is only fitting that these two great servants of Manchester City Football Club have their own appreciation thread, now that their release by the club has been confirmed.
Gareth Barry was the modern-day equivalent of Alan Oakes; there can be no greater compliment, IMHO. He went about his job with the minimum of fuss and was never appreciated by many City fans (and followers of other clubs). Indeed, we spoke to an Everton supporter as we were all on the way to our respective matches (I think it was the night we played Sunderland and the Toffees played Palace) and he admitted that he didn't want Gareth to join Everton, but now, he hopes he signs a permanent deal with them.
Joleon Lescott formed a fantastic partnership with Vinnie and at times, JoLo was the better of the two, IMHO. These two, along with GB, were the principal reason that Joe Hart won the first two of his three consecutive Golden Glove awards. And although Joleon's appearances in the first team have been restricted over the last two seasons, he never complained or went crying to the press, as some would have done.
So thank you for all you did for our great club, Gareth and Joleon.
Your contribution to our rise will never be forgotten.
