Newcastle Club Focus - Barton handed free transfer after latest outburst
The biggest news coming out of St James’ Park this week surrounds the future of controversial midfielder Joey Barton. Following a series of outspoken attacks on the club’s powerbrokers, the player has been made available for a free transfer. While Barton’s future on Tyneside has been uncertain for the past few months, his position now seems untenable. A number of top flight clubs have been linked with the creative midfielder who could represent one of the bargains of the current transfer window.
Barton has gone public on his dislike and distrust of Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and his right-hand man Derek Llambias on a number of occasions. Using his Twitter account and some fans’ forums the 28-year-old has effectively created a situation where he can no longer continue as an employee of the club. The straw that broke the camel’s back came on Sunday when Barton unleashed a string of ‘Tweets’ criticising the football club. The midfielder has been involved in a long running feud with the Newcastle hierarchy and it came as no surprise that they decided enough was enough.
Barton’s Twitter feed has made for some interesting reading over the past few days as he has provided regular updates on his situation, as well as adding quotes from historical figures. Since Tuesday he has been training alone from the main group and also been fined two weeks wages. In contrast there has been little communication coming out of St James’ Park other than a single press release. Manager Alan Pardew has kept a low profile and left assistant John Carver to deal with the media.
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The former Manchester City player has been linked with a string of top flight clubs including Tottenham, Aston Villa and Stoke. But it is still not certain whether he will depart Tyneside in the current transfer window. In a recent ‘Tweet’ Barton wrote: “Just because ur told to jump, it does not necessarily mean u have to. I may choose to stand perfectly still. It's my right...just a thought." As Barton has not been released from his contract he would be entitled to remain in the north-east although it is unlikely he will ever pull on a black and white shirt again.
Barton’s dark mood last weekend could have been partly down to a disappointing friendly defeat to Leeds United. Newcastle lost 3-2 at Elland Road courtesy of a late winner from the home side. There was plenty to contemplate for Pardew even before the Joey Barton saga began. The Magpies’ defence looked shaky for much of the game and were not helped by a less than convincing showing from young goalkeeper Fraser Forster. Out of the new signings, midfielder Yohan Cabaye has looked the most promising and should be a key player come the new season.
Jose Enrique could also be set to depart in the near future with Liverpool believed to be lining up a move for the left back. The Spaniard has cut a disconsolate figure in pre-season and did not figure against Leeds. With Liverpool in the need of a new full back and Newcastle likely to be willing sellers a deal could be on the cards. Wayne Routledge is very close to joining Swansea with personal terms now agreed between player and club. If he and Barton depart as expected then there will be very little cover for the right hand side of midfield. It remains to be seen whether any more players be coming in before the end of the month.
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