Local lads meet in Premier League

Dean Hammond played for Leicester City and Gareth Barry lined-up for Everton in the 2-2 draw between the two clubs at the Walkers Stadium.

Hammond came on as a 39th minute substitute and earned praise from ex-England striker Alan Shearer on Match of the Day for his performance in the heart of the Foxes’ midfield.

The 31-year-old former ARK William Parker Academy pupil was snapped up by Brighton & Hove Albion as a youngster and made his first team debut aged 17. He spent the next seven years with the Seagulls before joining Colchester United in January 2008.

An impressive 18 months with the U’s led to Hammond being recruited by Southampton. With Hammond regularly captaining the side, the Saints won promotion to the Championship in 2011 before making it back-to-back promotions the following season.

He joined Leicester in the summer of 2013 on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Barry was also a William Parker student and part of Brighton’s youth set-up before switching to Aston Villa and making his senior debut aged just 17. The 33-year-old played in the 2000 FA Cup final shortly before winning his first England cap.

Barry joined Manchester City for £12million in 2009 and started their 2011 FA Cup final win over Stoke City. He signed a three-year deal with Everton in July 2014 following a successful loan spell last term.

The midfielder won 53 England caps and scored three goals. He played in the 2010 World Cup.