Aston Villa's Louie Barry back at Stockport County for new season
Louie Barry rejoins Stockport County on loan after successful spell Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)
Aston Villa forward Louie Barry has returned to Stockport County on a season-long loan.
The 21-year-old quickly became a fan favourite at Edgeley Park last season, scoring nine goals in just 20 league matches. His performance helped County secure their first EFL title in 57 years.
Barry's contributions were particularly vital early in the season. His goals in seven consecutive league matches in August and September set a new post-war club record. This streak earned him the League Two Player of the Month and EFL Young Player of the Month awards for September.
An injury in October against Crewe sidelined Barry for several months, but he returned in time to help lift the League Two trophy at Edgeley Park.
After spending the summer training with Aston Villa’s first team and scoring in a friendly against Walsall, Barry is back at Edgeley Park.
Manager Dave Challinor expressed his excitement about Barry’s return.
"It’s brilliant news that Louie will be back with us as we venture into League One," said Challinor.
"We’ve been pretty open with our desire to make this happen but understood we had to be patient, but it’s finally done. Louie had a huge impact in the early part of last season and it was great for him to come back and be able to not only finish the job, but enjoy the celebrations of being League Two Champions."
Challinor added, "We are so excited to see Louie back at 100% fitness and have a similar impact on a higher division. Aston Villa have been fantastic with us and maybe the most important factor was Louie’s desire to come back here, despite lots of interest from other clubs."
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