Although maybe not the player i would of gone for i can definitely see the logic in signing Barry and think he will be a decent player for us.
One of our biggest weaknesses is our ball retention, Barry is twice the player that Fletcher was for actual use of the ball (Fletcher had other attributes better than Barry)
I would imagine he will sit in and Livermore will be pushed forward more for the 'box to box' role and i wonder if we will sign another midfielder too as even if Barry does sign, that leaves us Barry, Yacob, Morrison and Livermore, be good to have extra competition.
Pulis seems keen to get Field and those out on loan which i think makes sense, get him in the Championship, 30 to 40 games consistently will do him good ready for a proper first team challenge for us next season, it toughen him up rather than the odd minutes here and there with us.
What i have seen Field looks at though he is potentially a good player but not sure he is ready yet, just havent seen him do enough but that comes with experience.
Barry never had any pace to lose so his game was never based around that, you sign Barry to keep the ball, etc and i think silly as it sounds if we just Barry for his ability and how well he played upto and including last season and left the age bit out, i think its a decent signing.