Joey Barton is trying to get fit again for next season, and thinks it was really bad the club was relegated last season, especially since he wasn’t available for many games.
Joey Barton - would still like to stay on Tyneside
And Joey, whose football career is a bit up in the air at the moment, just like that of his manager come tho think about it, lives in a penthouse in the Newcastle city center, and said today:
“I have tried to make the best of my time off the pitch. It has been well documented that I have had problems with alcohol and I’m trying to turn a corner now.”
“All I am looking forward to is going back, I just hope I’m welcome.” “My intention is to stay with the club so I am concentrating on getting back into peak fitness.”
Questions about Joey’s future on Tyneside have been rampant since he had an altercation with Shearer after the Liverpool game, in which he got himself sent off. He’s a good player and would be great for us in the Championship, but Shearer doesn’t waver on too many decisions, and we’d be surprised if he kept Joey at the club.
That would only be the case if nobody would take him in the summer, which is a possibility, and then we’d expect him to sit down with Alan and work out some code of conduct, and have Joey attend all his rehabilitation meetings and the like – so he can get back to a decent life, and start doing some good in the community – rather than the opposite.
But Barton said he was keen to get back on the pitch and play for Newcastle:
“Everything with the club is a little bit up in the air. It is not good times being relegated.” “I don’t know what is going to happen with the club or with the manager situation.”
“It’s really frustrating this has happened, especially as I only played about six or seven games.” “I’m just looking forward to going back and my intention is to stay at the club and help Newcastle back into the Premier League.”
“If Alan Shearer takes the job and if he doesn’t want me then my hands are tied. All I can do is try and get as fit as possible, but I have got to prepare for all eventualities.”
We have to think if Newcastle can move this player out in the summer, for even a small fee, they will do that.
Shearer will want to clear the decks at the club, and you would have to believe that has to include bad-boy Barton.
Comments welcome.
75 responses so far ↓
1 RyanToon // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:36 PM
barton can fck right off!!!!!!!!
2 SHEARER 4 TOON // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:36 PM
I like Joey good hard player if he would only screw the nut he could be even better.
3 Toon Graeme // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Shearer in as manager = Bartongone
See ya Joey – burnt your bridges with me and numerous benfits of doubt that were wasted.
He only wants to stay on with his wage packet.
4 Ericles // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:45 PM
No way is Al going to tolerate the unreliability of this high wage earner. Fire him off to Bolton or Blackburn or the mackems?
5 Johno Toon // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Must admit im a big big fan of bartons but if we got a decent offer i think we have to take it for the simple fact he could just go off the rails again , we cant take that chance
On the other hand i wouldnt sell him until we got decent chunk of wedge for him
6 Geordiedoonsooth // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Get the overpaid under performing tw*t off our books ASAP
7 DJG // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:58 PM
I know I am gonna get battered for this but
if new owners come in and appointed their own experienced manager then I wouldn’t be suprised if Barton stayed and I would say we could do far worse (purely from a footballing perspective).
I don’t think we have seen the last of him yet. After all there wouldn’t be many better midfielders in the championship than Barton. All i’m saying is that we don’t know who is gonna own the club next season yet never mind be the manager.
8 ObaFan2 // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Wonder if he’d drop his wages and if so by how much?
Wonder if he and Shearer would have a man to man talk (if Shearer’s manager that is) and sort out their differences?
I think he’s a good player and would definately be an asset to us in the Championship aslong as his attitude changes!
So many questions so my guess is he’ll be sold… end of. lol
9 Whumpie // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:59 PM
That’s unanimous then.
Half a million per match, and all he’s done is drag us through the tabloids.
We’re not a charity rehab centre, Joey. Do one.
10 Rangerman // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:00 PM
The “I’m trying to turn my life around” line is wearing thin now.
He’s been saying it for 2 years.
11 Sav // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Agreed, if he was that good, we might have a dilemma, but the fact is he has never had a great game for us and of course, he has been unavailable far, far too often, like several of his colleagues last season.
12 ieffrey // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:05 PM
don’t ship Barton out, please!
he is certainly the best midfielder we have!
13 batty // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:07 PM
yeah we could get rid of him but who are we going to get for the 2 or 3 mil we would get for him
14 Chennai Toon // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:13 PM
we should keep him….best midfielder in our squad
15 LoonyToony // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Great player..Shite attidtude!
Yeh he would be awesome for us in the championship..but on his wages..the risk is far too great.
Whoever is in charge..I hope they do the right thing!
16 reetpetite // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:18 PM
he will pick up loads of bookings getting kicked around in the first division.
17 sirjasontoon // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:20 PM
We need him more than he needs us…I think he will come back better than ever next season and be a major player for us next season.
I don’t condone his actions but he is miles better than anything we have currently got and irreplaceable right now.
18 Robbanufc // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:23 PM
He’s a great player, no doubt about that. But saying he’s a bad boy is an understatement. He says he’s got drinking problems, and good for him that he’s trying to sort it out. But he’s had far too many chances at our club! His knee injury is also one that often come back, and will most likely catch some injuries next season. so to keep him is far too much of a risk.
Ship him to spurs, they’ve declared interest in him!
God I hope he f***ks up there aswell!
19 Toon Graeme // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:23 PM
It will come down to cash and think he will be on the list to sell to reduce the wages bill.
Nowt to do with his skill or how sorry he is and determined to get back etc – cold hard cash will dictate the future of alot of our current players.
20 Robbanufc // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:25 PM
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=64136173974&ref=ts
Facebook group for this sweet site! Close to 250 members now lads!
21 Toon Graeme // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Robba – Im on there mate. Having said that I aint been on the facebook site for a while.
22 Robbanufc // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Joey has had far too many chances in Newcastle. Ship him off to spurs, and we’ll get a couple of £m for him!
He is a great player, no doubt about it. But him acting like a moron affects both the manager and the squad, all in a negative way, and shouldnt be tolerated.
Sjt. I fully agree with you about him being a great player, and would be massive for us next season.. But he will definately pick up more of his knee injuries, and be out for months next season aswell. He is far too expensive for us to keep, he would have to accept a third of his current wage for us to consider in my opinion.
23 Robbanufc // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:33 PM
I know you are Graeme, mate!
Yeah, there hasnt been much action there lately. But we’ll get the action back sooner rather then later!
24 Nick 69 // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:34 PM
if hes willing to drop his wages then id deffo keep him, by far the best midfielder we have, and if kept fit and out of trouble he will fire us straight back up
25 Whumpie // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Chennai and Ieffrey – I need to ask you this, because I’m baffled. How – exactly – do you think this guy is our best midfielder?
Is it on his end product? FAIL. Two goals (one penalty) and zero assists, I believe.
Value for money? FAIL. 7 starts, one jail term and several injuries. £500,000 per GAME. He makes Owen look like a bargain.
Good for moral/image/team spirit? FAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAILFAIL.
What is it that makes you want this idiot???
26 ObaFan2 // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:37 PM
To say he’s no good imo seems wrong, I believed him to be the engine room and driving force to our 4-3-3 when KK was manager.
27 DJG // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:45 PM
We need him to stop us getting walked over in midfield. The sad fact is that he is the only player in our sqaud who even trys to thread a ball through the centre.
28 beatski // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:46 PM
“fail,” real original
the question in my mind is, will shearer see that he’s a gifted midfielder and keep him on for an increased chance at promotion IMO (on decreast wages obviously. Or will he stand firm on his principals?
29 beatski // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:47 PM
*decreased
30 THE MAGPIE // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Someone is sure to take a punt so we should sell him, at 60000 a week is way over the top for Championship level.
31 Whumpie // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Or… mad idea…
Find a good midfielder who DOESN’T cost a mint, cause chaos in the club and can play more than seven matches a year. Every other team seems to manage that.
The other thing is: I can’t see how he’s as good as you’re making out. He’s just better than the very mediocre players we have. Can anyone point out one match where he was so exceptional? Any times when he got man of the match, or voted best on some blog? Merit points table?
ANYTHING??
Here’s another theory: everyone who’s sticking up for this gobsh*te always slags off Owen, Smith and anyone else seen as a bit “clean”.
Ok, that was provocative. But I’m typing meeting minutes and I’m bored.
32 Wallsend Will // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:55 PM
I’ve said some things in support of Joey Barton in the past, like he’s done his time, give him a break and how he performs out on the pitch is what matters, not his lifestyle. I was wrong he will always be trouble. It’s a matter of how far we gone down as a football team, that we should even be considering playing Barton again. He wants to keep his current contract as no one else will pay so much. If and when Shearer is appointed he will be out.
33 toonsy // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Sorry to detract from the thread a bit but…..
Is anyone else getting more alarmed by the lack of concrete news? Whether it be from fat Mike, Barclays, Shearer or whoever!
On a side note, if Barclays dont approve the business plan they have the main offices for their investment arm not far from me. If i slipped the address we could arrange a meet and have a protest/gathering. Its what we are good at lol
34 BlacknWhite Barmy // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:58 PM
He should of never been at this club to start with – another fat ego manager that thought he could take him under his wing, sort out his problems blah blah blah.
He is the problem get rid – 2million
Duff get rid – 2 million
Smiff get rid – 1 million
Geremi get rid – ill drive
Butt get rid – same as germ
Ameobi get rid – please take him
35 ObaFan2 // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:59 PM
My memory aint that good Whumpie to remember that far back but people are entitled to their opinions.
He’s alot of trouble, attitude stinks but is a good midfielder imo.
I still stick with my first post on this, post 8.
36 dougnufc // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Hopefully Ashley sells in 2 weeks, I am getting sick and tired waiting for the takeover.
37 DevonMag // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:14 PM
I really dont understand why people seem to think we have the luxury of offloading by far and away the best midfielder at our club (who has said he wants to stay) because of an attitude problem?
He’s not exactly gonna be a hugely disruptive influence in the dressing room, you can see when he plays for us he wants to do his best and wears his heart on his sleave. He might be a thug, but look at jamie carragher for christs sake!
38 Nick 69 // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Whumpie // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Or… mad idea…
Find a good midfielder who DOESN’T cost a mint, cause chaos in the club and can play more than seven matches a year. Every other team seems to manage that.
The other thing is: I can’t see how he’s as good as you’re making out. He’s just better than the very mediocre players we have. Can anyone point out one match where he was so exceptional? Any times when he got man of the match, or voted best on some blog? Merit points table?
ANYTHING??
———-
youve answered your own question there havent you, HE IS BETTER THAN THE MEDIOCRE PLAYERS WE HAVE!! and we will not get anyone better signing for us while we are in the championship, hes the only midfielder in our squad with an ounce of creativity!!
39 BlacknWhite Barmy // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:24 PM
DevonMag – its slightly more than an attitude problem. Obviously the suns got to you in the sunny west country but look at his record – attacking own players, beating up fans, unable to control himself on the pitch, been to jail (and no doubt another sentence b4 long)
Great player – dont think so. Would try a youngster before that thug
40 Whumpie // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Another way of looking at it: If we’d spent the £5.7 mill plus his wages… call it £10m in total… on someone else, is it likely to have worked out better?
Hard to say ‘no’, ennit?
And here we are with the same choice: spend big bucks on keeping him, or use the money elsewhere.
No-brainer.
41 DJG // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:27 PM
If Shearer (billy big bollox) stays, he needs to do whats best for the club and not his ego. We will not get anyone better in to replace Barton. FACT.
Im sick of Alan Shearer thinking he is BIGGER than NUFC. And before you all start he did it for 10 years as a player!
42 Whumpie // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:28 PM
This is all academic anyway: when you have to get rid of the majority of your players and build a team of people costing low millions and on less than ten grand a week, you have no choice – you get rid of people like Barton.
43 Tino 11 // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Why all this praise for Barton?
He WAS a good player for Man City.
He has never played even half as good as that for us.
He is only better than what we have if he plays better than what we have!
No point in keeping him because he MIGHT play like he used to ONE DAY AGAIN.
44 Whumpie // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:33 PM
DJG: there you go with this FACT nonsense again.
Here’s something else to consider. You have to put a month’s wages on one of these coming true:
1. We keep Barton, and he plays well when he plays, being the creative spark in midfield. He scores goals and provides numerous assists. He plays 40 matches in the season. He stays out of trouble bar 5 yellows and a red. (not bad for a championship midfielder)
2. We sell Barton for £3m. We spend that £3m, plus the £2m we save on his wages, on strengthening the squad elsewhere. We play Lua Lua instead. He plays well and, although making some rookie mistakes, scores goals, provides the creativity and assists. He stays out of trouble and plays 40 games.
Read those two. Where would you put your money?
45 Whumpie // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Ok, time to test my theory, ‘cos nobody picked up on it before:
Do any of you Joey-lovers also like Owen, Smith or Butt?
Anyone?
46 G 2 // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:35 PM
Im sorry but we have to keep him if we want to get back to the Premiership. The best we will get is £2m from someone like Bolton. That £2m won’t get a player good enough to get us back up. If you want Butt to try and get us back to the premiership then you’re all deluded.
Barton will be needed at the places like Cardiff etc.
47 magpie6699 // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:36 PM
How is he going to help us back to the Premiership?
1. Fight with his colleagues?
2. Take another swing at Shearer (if he is appointed)?
3. Get sent off regularly – because he’s going to be targeted by every “hard man” in the Championship?
4. Enhance our reputation in the media with his behaviour?
5. Contribute to our unsustainable wage bill?
Sorry – even if he was as good as Iniesta I’d still not want him to stay – the Bartons are notorious in Scouseland, my friends there tell me, as a bad lot and he’s as bad as the rest.
But he isn’t Iniesta -I agree with all the others who struggle to see how the myth grew up that he’s been such a great player when he’s played – at his best he’s looked OK to quite good, but not great. I’ve seen Danny G have more good games than Barton.
He’s my first to get rid of (and that’s saying something when we have Cacapa, Shola and Geremi!)
48 DevonMag // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:50 PM
Haha barmy fair enough I’ll take your comments on board but I think people on here jump to criticize his playing capability cos of his sh*t attitude, but he is a quality player. He was the reason we beat villa at home, and he was the engine room as someone previously mentioned in keegans 4 3 3. The thing is, I dont see how people think we’ll attract someone of his quality at the moment? Who would want to come? Outside of the top 4 midfielders I rate Barton as one of the highest.
49 DevonMag // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:54 PM
And look at his little smile! He wouldn’t harm a fly…
50 Tino 11 // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:58 PM
DevonMag – Has he ever really been a quality player for us? Has he ever truly had a “outstanding” or “world class match”. Far too many people on here remember how he USED to play for Man City, NOT FOR US.
51 DevonMag // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:16 PM
I didn’t used to watch him much at city mate, all I know is everytime I have ever seen his name on a nufc team sheet I have been hugely reassured. If you ever watch him play a full 90 (rare at the moment I know) you will see just how influencial he is in the middle of the park, something the highlights dont show
52 magforlife // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Like Butt the other day, load of patronizing rubbish being spouted by Barton, if they cared for the club we would be still in the top flight, of course he wants to stay as when he looks out of his penthouse window he knows there is no other club daft enough to keep him in his millionaires lifestyle but why should he remain, after all, his lack of appearances are down to his bad behaviour on and off the field and cost us dearly. Another chance? No chance!
53 Tino 11 // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Everytime i saw him play for us i thought he was nowt special, committed yes, but sometimes a liability as he was over excited with some of his tackles. I like a strong tackling, tough midfielder, but one that doesn’t get sent off doing it.
54 Nick D // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:23 PM
The guy just hangs around like a bad smell, knowing full well no one else will pay him 60K a week. Why KK didn’t just let him go I will never know.
He’s certainly not going to accept less wages as he’s a total mmercenary who insisted on a leaving fee from city and a signing on fee from us !!!
Due to his lifestyle , he is in no particular order, always injured, suspended or inside. GET RID !!!
55 Nick D // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Why do people think he is influential? He’s scored 2 goals in 2 seasons (both pens!!) and I can’t recall any assists, but I’m sure there’s a sad barton apologist out there who will say different
56 bordeauxtoon // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Joey has done nothing positive for us since he was signed. In fact has he ever done anything anywhere on the pitch spectacular? Anyone got any stats or MOM info. to prove he’s worth keeping on with all the other bad baggage ?He’s just saying this to stay on on a high wage, because few clubs are willing to give him a sixth? … chance.Except maybe Sam- please take him and prove what you said before( for about 6m preferably) .In my opinion he’s worth unloading for a couple of million just to boost team morale. A good MDC would be Pierre Ducasse on loan from Bordeaux.
57 DevonMag // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:32 PM
I wouldn’t claim the title of ’sad barton apologist’ nick but he set up martins first against villa, and had a part to play in the second.
58 Toon_Factor // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Easily our best midfielder and i personally hope he stays.
59 Norn Iron Magpie // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:43 PM
Not sure myself. I think i’d like him to stay but his attitude stinks. Not sure if him and Shearer will get on though,2 strong minded people probably would clash again mid season. On the fence for me sorry.
60 Nick 69 // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:57 PM
Nick D- he never insisted on a a leaving fee from city at all, he insisted that he didnt pay the 300k loyalty penalty in his contract to the club since it was the club wanting to sell him not him wanting to leave!!
thing is, barton has more quality than any player we cud currently attract and that is the reason i wud lyk him to stay, had we of stayed up, i would have wanted rid because then we could have replaced him with someone as good as, if not better than him
61 Nick D // Jun 4, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Nick 69 it’s only relative how good he is if he
1) plays regularly, not just 7 games a year
2) doesn’t cause disruption in the dressing room,
3) doesn’t seek to undermine the manager
4) doesn’t beat up any more civilians and team mates
5) doesn’t get sent off on the rare occasions when he can be bothered to play etc etc
and devon Mag, I stand corrected, one assist !!! I’ll get the flags out.
62 Tom Mo. // Jun 4, 2009 at 7:23 PM
we’ll keep him if we want any decency in midfield whatsoever
63 Natureboy95 // Jun 4, 2009 at 7:31 PM
i don’t condone joey’s actions at all but i do think he gives us something different from midfield, and had he not got sent off against liverpool i think he might have been the difference between us staying up and going down. i defo think he could have helped us salvage a point against fulham.
64 Natureboy95 // Jun 4, 2009 at 7:36 PM
….on the other hand newcastle could do with just forgetting about how good he is and actually show some bottle and moral judgement and release him, for the integrity of the club.
65 ben-nufc // Jun 4, 2009 at 7:48 PM
jeez we need KYLE NAUGHTON AND JOE MATTOCK
66 Mimo // Jun 4, 2009 at 7:49 PM
The problem with young joey is that he has been able to challenge authority throughout his professional career without ever being suitably punished. His ability as a commited technical footballer has allowed just about every manager/club he has played for to ignore his ‘problems’. If it’s true AS has ruled against him we should support his decision and send out a message to Barton and all his ilk that Newcastle is not a sancutary for the disruptive and unmanageable. lazy, All new players need to play 100% for the club and supporters and the greedy and incompetent are not wanted.
67 DevonMag // Jun 4, 2009 at 7:50 PM
thats just one example from this season mate. Cant think of any others, think what you will about him but our team’s better with him in it.
68 brownrob // Jun 4, 2009 at 7:52 PM
One chance too many, let him have a last chance at another club. I wrote some more articles on my blog too, its hard to find time sometimes, but is great fun! Check my link while Ed is having a well desrved nap!
http://www.barmytoonarmy.com
69 Rangerman // Jun 4, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Hopefully Ashley sells in 2 weeks, I am getting sick and tired waiting for the takeover.
……
It’s only been up for sale about a week.
70 NorthernPaul // Jun 4, 2009 at 8:05 PM
If Joey hadn’t been sent off against Liverpool and had been available for the last 3 games, I really believe we would still be in the top flight.
He’s a good player, and added something extra to our midfield. I just wish he wasn’t such a tosspot.
I don’t think he’ll be any good for us next season, as the other teams midfield will raise their games just because he is playing. He’ll get kicked to crap, and probably have a few red cards too.
71 Rangerman // Jun 4, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Barton isn’t anything special, he’s got plenty of drive and tries to grab the game by the scruff of the neck (literally at times) but ability wise he isn’t up to much.
Guthrie has more footballing ability than Barton, he just doesn’t have the ‘bite’ to him that Barton has in his game, still it’s not much good having that if you can’t control yourself.
72 Doocey // Jun 4, 2009 at 8:18 PM
Dunno what to think of this lad. He says all the right things when he’s in the dumps. I think it’s time for him to go..
73 Bill F // Jun 4, 2009 at 8:19 PM
I have never been a Joey fan although on occaisions I have put in a (misplaced, perhaps) defence for him. One thing I have noticed is that him and Owen have probably generated more comments on this blog than any other player. For that reason alone, I will be happy to see the back of them, although we may have a little less to talk about.
On a more humerous note, my missus has packed in smoking and has bought one of those electronic-fags. She was about to try and light it up with a cigarette lighter today till I pointed out what she was doing. She aint stupid, but she still was following old habits. It seems to be working for her though.
74 BlacknWhite Barmy // Jun 4, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Bill F – be funnier if you let her lol
75 Tom_Toon // Jun 5, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Barton is probably our best midfielder, but his wages are too much and Shearer probs doesn’t wanna keep him.
If he makes up with Shearer and cuts his wages by 66% to a high championship wage of 20k p/w then he can stay. Not gonna happen though is it.
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