I thought Barton was a great signing for us, but what has he actually done since his arrival? It's clear he never actually wanted to play for us and was only tempted by the megabucks offered by TF. I could see past this if he at least attempted to show an ounce of passion or leadership. He's easily been the least-impressive of our newest signings and has done absolutely nothing to justify his reported 90k-a-week wages. He was pretty anonymous against Villa and Newcastle, half-decent against Wolves and complete s***e yesterday. If Buzsaky or Smith had played instead of him in the last four games I can't see that we'd have any less than the 5 points we've earned. He's a good player, but seriously needs to pull his head out of his a**e and start playing for the badge instead of the pound signs.
He's being played too wide for my liking but he has been very average in the last couple of games after being excellent at Wolves.
Agree with all of the above. A captain should be a calming influence on the team. Pick guys up when they are down and encourage all. Most of all a captain must lead by example. Barton has not done this yet. His performances can best be described as average-reasonable. I think his personality will ensure that he will cause more probs than he will solve. Team spirit will be important for us this year. Barton needs to sort out his priorities and quickly. If he seriously wants to play for England again then he better buck up. If his performances do not improve in the coming weeks then I would be tempted to drop him for a game just to show that he is not bigger than the team. For me thats the prob now. He thinks and is acting like he is bigger than the team without backing it up on the pitch.
He's not on 90k a week. More likely 60k although he apparently kept on telling Kelvin Henry that it was 80k. It's pointless getting on his back already. Let the side settle down and find a shaoe that suits us and he will come good. You can't say he's not trying. I thought he had a game against Villa but saw a stat in paper afterwards saying he covered more ground than any other player in the game, running more than 12km. That suggests o me he's struggling to make an impression on the right of a midfield three but give him time. criticising him after 4 games doesnt do anyone any favours
Warnock will never drop him. As you say he is captain and with the wages he is on, it would be embarrassing to Warnock if he dropped him!
I question the wisdom of appointing anyone captain who has just been parachuted in. I know there are examples from other clubs but it does ask a lot of Barton and of the players who have performed throughout the previous campaigns to suddenly assume the roles of leader and followers. Having said that I do think he will prove to be a good driving force over time but there is underlying discontent which needs to be confronted and dealt with if we are to avoid relegation.
I agree that his not playing in the correct position. He needs to be in the center to have more of an influence on the game. I've always seen him as being more defensive minded than attacking and at the moment we are playing him wide and attacking, not getting the most out of him. Its' the old argument, do you get your players to fit your formation or fit the formation to your players ? Won't repeat this again but we need to have Derry\Faurlin\Barton competing for 2 places not fitting all three in, at all costs.
I don't think it's a coincidence that our team (Newcastle) has played much better and gelled much better as a team since Barton left. Perhaps he's just like that no matter which club he goes to.
Well said Joey. Well laid out thesis that i agree with 100%. He's gotta stop talking the talk now and walk the walk. Agree with LondonCalling too. I was wondering when he signed was he more trouble than he's worth but decided that his quality won out. I do hope Roller ain't gonna be proved right.
Biggest mistake was Warnock making him captain straight away and sticking his cock up his arse before he'd even had time to lace up his boots for training.
I'd say it was part of the deal to bring him in. Managers have to coax players with all sorts these days. Bothroyd probably had the number 10 shirt dangled in front of him too.
I'm not a QPR fan, I'm just looking at it as an outsider. I honestly laughed at Warnock's cringeworthy interview when you signed him. It was pathetic, and making him captain was a ridiculous decision.
AAH good old Gretna, I might have known! Hows life in the Jock 7th Division? Or have you been liquidated entirely yet? Speaking of cringe worthy, I remember an "article" a few years back when Gretna and ourselves were linked with a player from Linfield, that declared (and I'm not making this up) that QPR were "a small Club going nowhere" and that fu*king GRETNA!!! was the better option! Still obsessing with our Premiership Club, you skirt wearing, Haggis-faced, tight-arsed Jock puff?
I never rated Barton as much of a player and certainly didn't join in the love-in surrounding his signing. He can read as much philosophy as he likes, nothing will change him and he is burdened with being an arris-hole for the rest of his days. Sooner he is gone the better, he is clearly a poor influence in the dressing room and it won't be long before he gets into a punch up with one of our players. Lie with a dog and you get fleas.
Saw this coming a mile off, hope the actions of this gobshite and that little **** Taarabt aren't detramental to your survival hopes.
Bloody hope not mate. Barton's obviously thinks way above his station. When Roy Keane (who was a far better player than Barton) started slating his team mates, Fergie said "on yer bike" and got rid. As for Tarbs. He's a typical French twat. All emotion and little common sense. Its a pity hes like that because on his day hes unplayable.
