Stockport’s Manager States Barry’s Future Is Beyond Club’s Influence

Stockport County’s manager, Dave Challinor, has stated that the club has no control over the future of loanee forward Louie Barry, amid increasing speculation that his parent club, Aston Villa, might recall him in January. This season, Barry has contributed 14 of Stockport County’s 31 goals in League One. Barry initially joined Stockport in August on a season-long loan from the Premier League team. However, reports suggest he may be recalled to move to a club in a higher division, with Leeds United also mentioned as a potential loan destination. The 21-year-old was recognized as League One’s player of the month on Friday, having scored 15 goals in 20 matches this season. Additionally, he scored nine goals in 23 appearances during a distinct loan period in 2023-24, which contributed to the Hatters securing the League Two title. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Challinor remarked, “When you take a player on loan, especially from a Premier League club, the reality is you know what you’re getting going into.” He further expressed, “We obviously hope that he can stay with us and score another 15 goals in the back end of the season and quite selfishly say that monetises his value more than going to a Championship club and not playing the same amount of minutes that he’s having here.” He concluded, “That’s a decision that’s out of our control.” Challinor’s team remains a contender for a second consecutive promotion to the Championship. The Hatters are presently ranked fifth in League One, trailing the top two by seven points as the season approaches its halfway mark. Irrespective of Barry’s situation, Challinor affirmed that the club is proceeding with its plans for the remainder of the season. He stated, “Our work doesn’t stop. Whether it be now or in six months’ time and it was the same six months ago, we’re looking for the next Louie Barry that can impact our team as he has and if that is required then that’s what we have to do.” He further commented, “We hope that’s not the case but I’m sure if you ask Louie he probably hopes that’s not the case as he’s in a really good place, but decisions are made that are out of our control and we just have to deal with them.”