Kevin Keegan has indicated he is determined to stand by his troubled midfielder, Joey Barton, when he eventually leaves jail in some four weeks time.
Kevin Keegan - will stand by Barton
We reported this morning that the troubled Newcastle United midfielder learned he still has to serve another four weeks in a Manchester prison, before being released on parole from his six-month jail sentence.
It is certain that Joey will now miss the start of the season, with his release date now being estimated at August 13th – which is just three days before the season starts.
The Liverpool born player had hoped to be free after serving 4 weeks of his sentence, but parole chiefs have decided he will have to serve half his sentence, because of last week’s 4 month suspended sentence, he received at the Dabo trial.
Kevin Keegan will be part of a Newcastle delegation that will meet with Barton and his representative, Willie McKay, when he is released from prison.
As we mentioned this morning we hope that meeting can be brought forward becasue there’s no reason the decision cannot be made now, and certainly Newcastle and Barton have a few hard decisions to make.
One is whether the club will be willing to keep paying the player his £60K/week wages on the contract he signed a year ago, following his £5.8M move from Manchester City.
Newcastle will be able to exercise due cause, that can have the contract ripped up and Barton fired, because of his jailing. However, we think it is Mike Ashley, the owner who will make the final decision.
Keegan is said to believe the player should be given one last chance, while receiving continuous help from the Sporting Chance clinic in Hampshire.
But Barton has already received a number of last chances, and the question becomes when is last, really last?
It appears that Barton’s team-mates at Newcastle, have a similar view to that of their manager Kevin Keegan, and seem ready to stand by their team-mate.
We don’t believe Joey has earned another chance, given his behavior even while he’s been at the Newcastle club over the last 12 months, which has landed him a 6 month jail sentence.
Comments welcome, but please keep them civil.
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59 responses so far ↓
1 ObaFan2 // Jul 11, 2008 at 13:42
We should get behind the club and their decision whatever it is I think.
2 Steve T // Jul 11, 2008 at 13:43
He’s never shown any regret for any of his actions in the past and I’m sure he wont start now. Has to go!!!!!!!!
3 spitzoid // Jul 11, 2008 at 13:44
Give him another chance I say.
Once he has done his time he would have served his debt to society and therefore NUFC.
Probably suggest a pay decrease of 50%, rising each year as long as he keeps his nose clean and attends Sporting Chance clinics etc.
4 Ericles // Jul 11, 2008 at 13:50
Barton will not change his spots so we will change his stripes for him. He will just look around to see where the CCTV is first and then pile in. Sell him to Fernando’s pub team.
5 Micky Toon // Jul 11, 2008 at 13:51
Keegan is an idiot if he keeps Barton. But no doubt it’s all ok for most people on here as Keegan’s judgement cannot be questioned.
I thought all of this was behind us when we booted Bowyer down to the hammers.
6 Ally // Jul 11, 2008 at 13:51
How many “last chances” has the lad had, this really is it now, he needs to get his head down stay out of bother and start performing on the pitch, if he can string a good run of games together then this will hopefully forgotten by christmas
7 A geordiedoonsooth // Jul 11, 2008 at 13:53
I admire KK for saying he wants to stand by Barton, but I think he has misjudged public opinion Barton should not be allowed to play for us again, he’s a violent thug.
8 broon ale // Jul 11, 2008 at 13:58
no quotes from keegan therefore its speculation
9 Flan // Jul 11, 2008 at 13:58
I remember that joey was in contention for man of the match on a number of occassions during the last few games of the season according to the polls on this site and we all knew that the dabo and Mc donalds incidents had occurred. So as far as i can seen nothing has changed apart from the fact that he is serving his time for his mistakes. so i for one hope we keep him becaue i think he’ll be a great player for us.
10 nightfall // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:00
no way…he must go…and should took smith with him…they’re nothing but bullies!
11 Bren // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:10
I don’t see how they can bring the meeting forward. The prison going to let them use the conference room? They’ve said they’ll meet as soon as he gets out, so we’ll have to wait and see.
I’d like him sacked, but can’t see it happening.
12 Ian // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:23
I dont like Barton, but the way our funding is going, the way we havent signed anyone of note and we havent got some of our better players signed up I am more worried about relegation next season, we need everyone we currently have if no-one decent is coming in. So i think we should keep him, probably that is keegan’s thinking too, otherwise I think Duff and co would have been sold already.
Unless they have three decent signings from somewhere we are going to struggle next season.
If a partner for the club comes forward and is on board very quickly we may make a good signing if not it looks like we are going in to next season with the current line up, maybe without Martins and a question mark over owen.
13 Obafan // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:24
I think we should stick with the decisions KK is making. Tho’ I would have sacked him after the incident in Liverpool. The day after the fight NUFC should have sacked him then all these articles (can not count them anymore about this idiot) were not necessary. Cause I get a bit annoyed about these articles. Barton just does not deserve this attention.
14 Obafan // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:27
Ian - I agree with you an that. We need every player, cause there seems not to be much transfer activity. We released more players than we already brought in and our squad was already thin.
I don’t want to think of the fact if 2 or 3 important players get injured for a couple of weeks next season what might happen.
15 KingKev // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:29
Think people should just stop slagging off the toon, were no where near the top 4 any more so we not in any position to demand top quality signings.
Just w8 2 c wot king kev brings in and back them 100% instead ov sl8ing them str8 away which people seem 2 be doing with danny guthrie already!!
Were just not used 2 the ashley approach, which has 2 be betta than fat freddys, and as for barton if we keep him i’m backing him all the way cos hes still a toon player
16 Bill F SPLASH MORE CASH ASH // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:32
Of course there is always the possibility that Barton might not be happy with the way NUFC have tried to treat him over his wages and might want to leave. If any one else will have him that is.
17 Ian // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:38
Obafan, cheers, I dont think any of us blame KK he will buy the best he can with the money available.
18 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:43
WE MUST KEEP HIM!! WE WONT HAVE A CHOICE MA IS SKINT!!!!!!! ITS LAUGHABLE A BILLIONAIRE SKINT BUT ITS TRUE!!!!
WE WILL HAVE A NEW OWNER THIS TIME NEXT YEAR!!!!
19 Wallsend Will // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:46
Kevin Keegan is not a fool. If he thinks he can get Barton to play good football, and stay out of trouble, then let him try. From my point of view It’s the football on the pitch that matters most. I want to see a successful, exciting Newcastle team playing like they did before under Kevin Keegan. If he behaves himself, accepts the proposed pay cut, and plays to his potential then Joey Barton could be part of that success. (Then sell him for profit if need be!)
20 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:47
WATCH THE CHANGE OF OPINION ON ASHLEY!! ITS ALREADY STARTING!!!
WE’VE GOT SPIDERMAN! ASHLEY’S THE “JOKER”
21 Fernando // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:50
Personally i blame bartons parents!
22 sean667 // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:52
hps are you shouting again!
23 sean667 // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:57
i see always the fault of the parants. He`s a grown man who cant handle his stella, stick ta fosters or carling Joey.
Jokin aside KK was always gonna stick by him he`s a good player but flawed newcastle should never have bought him, however they did and now have no coice but to stick by him.
24 leeroy // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:59
we should give him another chance and if he brakes it thats it gone! no questions asked.
i cant see the point in letting another club take a decent player on a free when hes only made 1 daft mistake since he joined toon.
25 Crazy // Jul 11, 2008 at 14:59
Fernando, i’ve mangaed to get hold of your I.P address and am very close to finding out who you are… Stop being a naughty boy or i’m going to let everyone know where to find you!
26 DC Magpie // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:00
so after we unload N’sulk to the spuds (what we’d do without them to take our has beens?)
who thinks Nuri Sahin would make a good replacement?
Let’s get back to B’ham with a better bid for Seb
27 steve // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:00
I personally don’t like Barton but it’s not Newcastles job to basically do what the FA and the courts should be doing.
I’m sure if the F.A compensate Newcastle 7 million pounds we’ll be more than happy to give them his registration in order they can stop him playing for any club.
Lets face it if we sack him someone else will no doubt take him on
28 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:02
lets replace Smith, Duff, and ameobi
selling all three would give us 12million we could buy two decent players for that price ! and reduce the wages!!!
29 Kash2 // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:05
@ DC: I do, he’s quality but isn’t he a CM?
@ Fernando: The whole of hios family is messed up! His parents are probably worse. But not in comparision to those council folk in North London though. They’ve got the knives out….literally!
30 DC Magpie // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:07
Barton is a punk but he has undoubted ability.
Last chance saloon Joey.
I for one would love him to prove the doubters wrong, turn his life around and get himself back in the running for an England place. (As a Toon player of course :))
31 Toon_Ksk // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:08
Unless you can say for yourself that you are an Angel or a Saint, I don’t see why Barton should be condemned to hell.
32 DC Magpie // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:13
Kash, maybe I’m talking about the wrong player?
I was watching an u21 replay last night and their “star player” was some guy called Shahin or Sahin. Apparently he played with the full national team but because of his age he could drop down for the tournament.
He was playing left back and had an awesome left foot. Of course the Turks got played off the field by the Ivorians who had a whole bunch of REALLY impressive players. (Kone, Cisse, Djapka)
33 Kash2 // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:17
@ DC - There was a youngster who played for Dortmund called Nuri Sahin. He;s half Turkish and half German, but plays for Turkey I think.
I think he plays for Feyenoord now. He is left footed and has alot of ability too!
34 GSfan // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:19
Hey lads. Long time no see. I’ve come back with more news regarding Turkish players that are linked with Newcastle United. This one is an unfortunate piece of news though.
Various Turkish sources are reporting Fenerbahce’s going for Gokhan Inler. After Aurelio taking off for Betis (for a whopping compensation fee of 1m euros (and a case taken to FIFA for possibly 7m euros now)), Fenerbahce are hoping to win back the hearts of their fans with a very promising replacement. This is very logical due to the fact Gokhan won’t be playing in a ‘foreign player’ status either and he would indeed be a nice replacement for Aurelio.
Fenerbahce are known to deny reports from sources which claim rubbish as they have done today with some other pieces of news that are also reporting their interest for Gokhan Inler. However they have not denied this report for today although they have done to others. My prediction is that (and this is just my personal thought) this may be the case because it was exactly like this with the Aragones and Guiza rumours. If they really do want him I’m afraid you guys don’t have a chance in getting him
35 The Entertainers // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:23
It appears the lads staying, this is what Kev wants and thats good enough for me.
But hey we dont have to chant his name from the stands but we dont have to always have a go at the lad. Silence often speaks a thousand words and we are only hurting ourseleves if we start fighting (wrong choice of word) from the inside.
Once the offical decision is made regarding Barton i hope we can collectively chose to just accept it and support the team.
36 scott9 // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:24
he might not hav earned another chance but we should give him one because he is such a gifted player and it wud be such a waste he is pure class our second best player just behind owen in my opinion he is so composed on the ball.
37 Kash2 // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:30
@ GS FAN : Long time buddy.
Sounds like bad news. Any news om Arda lately?
38 macitect // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:31
Three cheers for the humane King Kevin!
I don’t condone violence, but Barton’s problems have been over scrutinised and exaggerated in the press. In all the press articles, I have never heard any quotes from Barton himself… no time, space or consideration given to the human being - just the image. The whole story might be so different from what we - the public - actually know.
And shame on those of you who say we should keep him because of the financial position of the club. If Barton’s actions warrant him being sacked, then it is a moral/ethical issue and no amount of money should interfere with that decision. Arguing that despite his actions we should keep him because we can’t afford another player of his calibre makes the holder of that position more ethically reprehensible than Barton’s actions.
39 MAG PIE // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:32
Ed - I’m confused - how has Keegan indicated his stance? Has he given an interview? There are no quotes in your blog. I’m guessing it’s the case, but do you have information to substantiate?
40 GSfan // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:38
Kash2 - Nah no news on Arda. He’s probably going to stay as the board believe they’re going to have use for him in harvesting many more players like him from our youths. They recently said that they bought Kewell so he could play together with Arda, rather than being his replacement for if he may get sold and together help out the lads in the youths.
Our new coach Michael Skibbe said he was in awe of Arda but also just said in his last interview with the press (just yesterday) that there were 3 more players of the same quality as Arda in the youths and that he’s going to want to squeeze out their potential this year and included them in the first team’s pre-season training camp. Some who watched these training sessions so far even note that Aydin (one of these youngsters) shows more potential than Arda.
41 Kash2 // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:41
LETS SIGN AYDIN!!!!!!
42 WIGAZ // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:44
Sorry KK but got to disagree with you here like! this bloke is rotten to the core! GET HIM OUT!!!!
43 Lacedaemonian // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:54
Why is HPS talking crazy? A wum logged in as him?
44 macitect // Jul 11, 2008 at 15:55
“But Barton has already received a number of last chances, and the question becomes when is last, really last?”
How many “last chances” has he been given? How many by Newcastle/Keegan?!
“It appears that Barton’s team-mates at Newcastle, have a similar view to that of their manager Kevin Keegan, and seem ready to stand by their team-mate.
We don’t believe Joey has earned another chance, given his behavior even while he’s been at the Newcastle club over the last 12 months, which has landed him a 6 month jail sentence.”
His behaviour at NUFC?! You just claimed that his teammates here seemed to be ready to stick by his side? Doesn’t seem like proof of bad behaviour at the club to me…
45 dan_from_france // Jul 11, 2008 at 16:06
i say half his wages but he can get them back if he performs well and all and stays out of trouble and actally becomes a professional that he is supposed to be. he needs to made an example of beat som one up and get away with it its not on that and should be punished by the club. i think we should keep just because we cant risk losing any1 else and we are obviously not getting many of our targets.
46 DC Magpie // Jul 11, 2008 at 16:14
GSfan what is your opinion on Nuri Sahin?
Is he available? and what position is he? I’ve read LB, LM, CM and even striker?
47 steve // Jul 11, 2008 at 16:28
we can’t halve his wages without his agreement and he’s already indicated he’s not willing to do that.
We either sack him or back him - please lets not start this whole debate again
48 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 11, 2008 at 16:32
Lacedaemonian - I would like you to explain how im talking crazy?
49 NotAGhostToon // Jul 11, 2008 at 17:17
The guys in prison are behind him, so we should be too! In all seriousness though i honestly think he’ll be ok this time but he needs therapy
50 Tom_Toon // Jul 11, 2008 at 17:41
DC - Hes a CM.
51 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 11, 2008 at 17:50
Mike Ashley Should become a member of parliment!! he’s good at pulling the wool over our fans eyes!!!!
52 Leo // Jul 11, 2008 at 17:56
like i said on the last barton article i would be happy to give him another chance if he can do his business on the pitch
in keegan i trust
53 Kris // Jul 11, 2008 at 18:04
sack him we want to reduce the wage bill anyway i think that will sway it for mike !!!
54 GSfan // Jul 11, 2008 at 18:17
DC - Ye, as Tom_Toon said he’s a CM. He ain’t the sorta player who can play defensively tho as he doesn’t have the physique to muscle out his opponents, but he’s great on the offensive front but also loves to close down his opponents tirelessly. So that’s why I wouldn’t say he’s a DM or AM.
55 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 11, 2008 at 18:20
Kris - sack him we want to reduce the wage bill anyway i think that it will sway it for mike!!!
are you for real sacking him wouldn’t reduce the wage bill because we would then need a player to replace him which would cost a few quid! we would loose millions on what we spent to buy him!
MA should and will sell!!!!
56 9 Shearer // Jul 11, 2008 at 18:43
Am by KK. Trust him. Barton is class. and believe we will finsh 4th.
57 Sav // Jul 12, 2008 at 1:28
macitect , you pompous ass.
You say the truth behind Barton is unknown to the public. Nevertheless, you consider yourself well-informed enough to condemn any realist who points out that we appear to have little choice but to rely on Barton for the time being, ‘more ethically reprehensible than Barton’s actions’. You honestly expect Ashley to tear up Barton’s contract and let him sign for a whopping profit to another club? And what purpose exactly, would that serve? I suggest you go and be ethical with 5.5million of your own money before you condemn the morals of others.
58 clinta // Jul 12, 2008 at 12:26
sorry to hear this news, as i was one person who thought we should of let him go a long time ago..well, i never thought we should of signed him.
does anyone out there know how much of a chance his getting to keep himself football fit in jail?? does he get a little special treatment because his a spoiled football??
59 macitect // Jul 14, 2008 at 15:23
sav,
perhaps you should reread what I wrote…
I am talking about many here who have been talking shite about Barton for weeks and taking the moral high-ground over his actions and how he doesn’t deserve to be let out of jail, never mind playing football again - but then turn around and say we should keep him for the sake of money…
I am not one of those who advocate we get rid of him in the first place.
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