Anthony Barry: The Detail-Oriented Coach Elevating England’s Game
“He is the type to meticulously analyse even the most minute aspects of the game,” remarked John Coleman, highlighting the dedication of Anthony Barry, England’s assistant head coach. Coleman’s observation might even understate Barry’s commitment. Barry once dedicated significant time to reviewing 60 hours of game footage, meticulously dissecting all 16,154 throw-ins from a Premier League season. This extensive research for his pro licence dissertation focused on a frequently overlooked area: set pieces.
Barry’s exhaustive study earned him top marks and was recognized with academic publication. His insights impressed Frank Lampard, a fellow course participant, leading to an invitation to join Lampard’s coaching team at Chelsea in 2020.
Early Skepticism and Rapid Ascent
Just three years prior, there was initial doubt when Wigan manager Paul Cook, who knew Barry from Accrington, sought to appoint the former player as first-team coach. At that time, Barry had recently retired at 30, with a playing career primarily in non-league football, and his coaching background was limited to a volunteer role with Accrington’s youth setup.
“We lacked substantial background information on him,” recalls David Sharpe, former Wigan chairman. “However, upon meeting him, his infectious personality quickly won us over. Paul strongly endorsed him, predicting his significant potential. Ultimately, we trusted our initial impression of his character, given our limited exposure to his coaching sessions.”
Coaching Football’s Elite
Currently, some of the biggest names in football are benefiting from Barry’s expertise, a situation that has been ongoing for some time. He has coached numerous highly decorated players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, and Thiago Silva.
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During his three years at Chelsea, Barry collaborated with Thomas Tuchel and also took on a part-time position with the Republic of Ireland national team. Subsequently, Roberto Martínez recruited Barry for his Belgium staff, and their partnership continued with the Portuguese national team.
“Roberto was searching for a replacement for Shaun Maloney,” explains Sharpe, now head of football operations at Bradford City. “I recommended Anthony without hesitation. He impressed Roberto just as much as he had impressed me.”
Reunion with Tuchel and England Opportunity
Tuchel also recognized Barry’s talent, particularly in set-piece strategy. The German coach insisted on including Barry in his staff when he moved to Bayern Munich, where they worked with England captain Harry Kane. Now, they face a new challenge: aiming to win the 2026 World Cup with England.
Impact on England Squad
Barry’s influence is already evident within the England squad. He previously coached Dan Burn at Wigan during their League One title-winning season in 2017-18, and later worked with Reece James, under Tuchel’s management, at Chelsea.
Anthony Barry overseeing England training. Players have consistently praised the quality of his coaching sessions. Photograph: Eddie Keogh/The FA/Getty Images
“We signed Reece on loan, and he mentioned that Anthony’s sessions at Wigan were superior to some he experienced at Chelsea,” Sharpe recounts. “Within weeks of pre-season, players were impressed, recognizing his top-tier quality and the exceptional standard of his sessions.”
Student of the Game
Terry Skiverton, who played with Barry at Yeovil and later studied with him for their pro licence, alongside figures like Liam Manning and Michael Carrick, attests to Barry’s dedication. “He was always a student of the game,” Skiverton recalls. “While not the fastest or strongest, he possessed exceptional football intelligence. He anticipated ball movement and was technically gifted.”
“He had a clear vision for how he wanted to play. Our conversations frequently revolved around football, and he constantly sought ways to gain a competitive edge.”
Set-Piece Innovation and Communication Skills
Skiverton witnessed Barry’s impactful presentation on throw-ins, which referenced the innovative work of Thomas Grønnemark at Liverpool. “At Chelsea, the players held him in high regard,” Skiverton, now assistant manager at AFC Wimbledon, notes. “He spearheaded Chelsea’s set-play strategy, proactively considering throw-ins even before specialized set-piece coaches became common.”
“Chelsea’s set-piece goals notably increased during that period. Anthony excels in communication, delivering technical and tactical details with clarity and impact, without resorting to excessive shouting.”
Exchanging Ideas with Future Coaching Stars
During a coaching forum in Nyon, Switzerland, Skiverton and Barry engaged with emerging coaches from across Europe. “We found ourselves in discussions with Xabi Alonso, Raúl, and Victor Valdés. Evaluating their approaches while I was coaching at Yeovil felt surreal.”
Barry completed his League Managers Association diploma concurrently with his pro licence. “He displays remarkable drive in these areas,” Skiverton adds.
Accrington Beginnings and Enduring Qualities
Coleman first encountered Barry in Liverpool after his release from Everton. Barry, who was in the same youth team as Wayne Rooney, prioritized fitness through rigorous training. He then signed a modest contract with Accrington.
One of Barry’s early matches for Accrington was a friendly in Scotland. “Despite a poor team performance, he bravely defended his position when criticized,” Coleman, now Gillingham manager, recalls. “Little did I anticipate his future achievements.”
“When Jimmy [Bell] and I lost our jobs at Accrington, Anthony invited us to a Bayern Munich versus Borussia Dortmund game, treating us with great generosity.”
Meticulousness and Humility
Those familiar with Barry consistently highlight his down-to-earth nature and his meticulous approach, fueled by extensive work. “I’m aware of instances where he has reviewed a player’s last 100 shots in detail,” Coleman mentions. “Such detailed feedback requires thorough preparation, indicating he personally analyses each shot beforehand. This dedication and hard work invariably lead to success.”
Barry’s reputation continues to grow, with Skiverton considering him a leading light in coaching. “I recently met with him, and despite his impressive career trajectory and increased earnings, he remains unchanged,” Sharpe remarks with a smile. “He’s still the same affable individual I first met years ago.”