Barry eyes 'good times' with Blues

02 May 2010 13:23
arry Ferguson has revealed his desire to remain with Birmingham for the rest of his career - especially if Alex McLeish signs a new contract.[LNB] Midfielder Ferguson is a strong candidate to be City's player of the year after an outstanding first season following a £1million switch from Rangers.[LNB]The 32-year-old has played a key role in Blues being on course for a top-10 finish in the Premier League and was chosen as the Sky Sports man of the match for Saturday's 2-1 home win over Burnley.[LNB]Ferguson believes he is capable of playing for up to another three years but he is keen for McLeish to also tie up his future with the midlands club.[LNB]He said: "I think it could be the start of good times here at Birmingham. I want to be part of it for as long as I can.[LNB]"I've got another year left here on my current contract but I am sure I can play for another two to three years.[LNB]I'm really enjoying myself at Birmingham and I'd love to finish my career here but obviously I'd like the manager to get his contract sorted out.[LNB]"Then hopefully, if he gets the backing, it could be good times ahead for Birmingham. You can see what the manager has done this year with a limited budget and limited resources."[LNB]Ferguson is hoping his own performances have silenced his critics.[LNB]He said: "I had to come down to England and play. I don't know whether it was to prove a point but maybe to shut a few people up and hopefully I've done that."[LNB]Fellow Scot James McFadden has hailed the impact made by Ferguson in his first season at St Andrew's and believes he has "fallen back in love with the game."[LNB]The former Everton attacker said: "In my opinion, Barry has been the best player for us this season. He has been consistent week in and week out and you know what you are going to get.[LNB]"He is never afraid to take the ball, a fantastic player, a great influence for the team.[LNB]"I think first and foremost he came here to get his love back for the game. It didn't go great for him in his last year at Rangers for whatever reason.[LNB]"There was a lot of expectation on him and the fans got on his back a little bit.[LNB]"I wouldn't say he has had a point a prove. I would say it was a case of getting back in love with the game and he has certainly done that this season. He has been excellent."[LNB]Burnley boss Brian Laws is backing his side to return to the top flight at the first attempt following relegation.[LNB]He said: "We've got a great opportunity to bounce back and take a leaf out of (the book of) the West Broms of this world.[LNB]"They have dropped out of the Premier League, kept the squad together, only lost a couple of players, and we've got the qualities and certainly got goals in us.[LNB]"The players have been on a losing streak, and in this division, teams can go on a real run of defeats. You can lose 10 games on the bounce.[LNB]"But you've still got to be believing and doing the right things and the players have tried their utmost to turn things around.[LNB]"You know we are not on a level playing field. Next season they will win a lot more games because they will be on a level playing field.[LNB]"The feelgood factor will be good for them because everyone likes to win games."

Source: Team_Talk