Joey Barton

[Frankie-Peter Taylor]

Surprising for some but a lot may say they would like him here as his attitude appears to of changed and he is now showing he is a quality footballer.

Quick stat, Newcastle won 0% of their games without Joey Barton last season compared to a 36% with him.

[The Bronsons]

From http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14366074.stm

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will be allowed to leave the club on a free transfer, the club has announced.

"Newcastle United can confirm that Joey Barton has been placed on the transfer list on Monday," said a club statement.

"The player has been advised that he can leave the club on a free transfer."

[SCFulhmFan]

While his crossing into the box is great, I don't believe it is worth potential "off the pitch activities" let alone flying elbows from behind.  Still a lucky boy that wasn't a straight red and avoided after match punishment.  

[Lighthouse]

Problem is he is a talented footballer as we know. Not a man,though who can stay away from controversy beyond his thuggish past.  Not so talented that we can ignore the rest of the problems.

[elgreenio]

hope he rots in some farce of an Asian league

[RidgeRider]

If Barton is so great and his attitude has changed so much why would Newcastle let him go and not try and resign him for what you expect to be less than he would take from another club?

No thank you. I would respect Fulham a LOT less if they signed this punk. I doubt we would. He is not Fulham.

[Mr Fulham]

If Barton is so great and his attitude has changed so much why would Newcastle let him go and not try and resign him for what you expect to be less than he would take from another club?

Because they don't want his straightforward character anymore. He was quite upset when Nolan left so he voiced his concerns over Newcastle's new policy. They obviously didn't want this.

[PipBritFFC]

I think Nolan kept him straight at Newcastle.  Now he's gone to west ham maybe they think nolan's too much of a liability to keep.  Too much of a gamble for me, could disrupt the dressing room and ruin the harmony.  Best leave him to the newly promoted teams, might be worth a punt for them.

[jarv]

Newcastle have lost 2 of their bes lyers. Now barton, 2nd half of last season arguably the best English midfielder in the division, and their left back wanting to go.

WHAT ODDS FOR RELEGATION?   Could be a good bet :dft003:

[RidgeRider]

Newcastle have lost 2 of their bes lyers. Now barton, 2nd half of last season arguably the best English midfielder in the division, and their left back wanting to go.

WHAT ODDS FOR RELEGATION?   Could be a good bet :dft003:

My thoughts exactly. Maybe Ashley has found hidden profit opportunities in bouncing back and forth between Championship and Prem. Somebody on here suggested this strategy once before.

[AlFayedsChequebook]

Newcastle have lost 2 of their bes lyers. Now barton, 2nd half of last season arguably the best English midfielder in the division, and their left back wanting to go.

WHAT ODDS FOR RELEGATION?   Could be a good bet :dft003:

They are going through a major reshuffle, but they have brought in the likes of Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye, so I reckon they will be OK, especially with Swansea, Norwich and QPR the promoted teams. Add Blackburn and Wigan to the mix and I doubt they go down. They do have previous however...

[sipwell]

I like him as a footballer. With his haircut, he looks like he ran away from the fifties. Unfortunately, he is mentally caught in the fight of the Jets versus the Sharks too, which makes him unsuitable for Fulham. If we were to reprogram his system though...

[mangoputney]

I'd have him without doubt. Competitive, creative, made Newc tick over and contributed a lot last year.

[Burt]

If the Godfarjer can keep him on the straight and narrow, then why not?

He has to fit in though. Be a team player, and an ambassador for the club.

[MJG]

I'm really surprised by the results on this poll, it would be interesting to know if the length of how long a person has supprted Fulham is reflected in the results. I really struggle to think that the Fulham fans who have been through all the crap of the 80' and 90's would want that player, but then maybe i'm way off.

[mattiesafer]

Just been reading his Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/#!/Joey7Barton

Comes across as a fairly intelligent, funny, grounded guy.  Was also quite surprised at the Smiths quotes in his feed.  Whodathunkit?  :HD:

I would take him for Fulham, I think he could do a job here.

And to answer your question, MJG I've followed Fulham since 2003.

[MrFFC]

Comes with a lot of baggage and we also have a lot of midfielders but in fairness to the guy he is a quality player.

[Woolfy]

When he played against us last season, he had the crowd on his back for the whole match. He took it all in his stride and didn't bat an eyelid. He ran the game for them that day, everything went through him and he always looked dangerous. Whist I despise some of the things he has done previously, he does seem a reformed character lately, and there is no doubting his talent. If you asked me 12 months ago if I'd like to see him at the cottage, the answer would be no, but now i'm not so sure, I think we would be a better side with Barton in the squad, as long as he doesn't bring the baggage with him...

[LordNelson]

He's the same old Barton, he just hides it a little better.  He's a big freakin'  096.gig just waiting to happen at the most inopportune time.

[jarv]

Just hard on sky news (in USA so migt not b te latest)  2 london club in for him. Prem club so west ham isn't one.

My guess, perm 2 from 3, qpr, fulham and spuds.