Anyone remember the reaction when Barton got sent off against Liverpool in 2009?

Remember when Barton did that tackle on Alonso and got sent off when we were 3-0 down against the scousers?

I remember the fans' reaction. 99% of the fans on 606 were so angry, saying they'd never want to see him in a NUFC top again, he was a disgrace to the club etc etc. A lot were saying they wouldn't watch matches if he was still a NUFC player.

It's amazing how things can turn around. He got his head turn down and started to actaully (for the first time) play really well for us. He'd always put the effort in, but the perfomances finally started to come, admittely in the CCC. (although he's obviously proved beyond doubt this season his quality)

The fans' all warmed to him so quickly. Which is great but also made me feel slightly uneasy in the Championship for some reason.

Remember when he punched Pederson? The difference in reaction was incredible. I think I was one of only a few that was really angry about it - pretty much everyone was defending him. A nature of how far he had come with no negative incidents but also the club as a whole, there was less frustration at the clubs perfomances and recent form in the Blackburn game.

I can still understand people who wouldn't want him in the England aquad because of past incidents. I wouldn't want Lee Hughes or Marlon King in the England squad if they were good enough (they're obviously not, but if they were). It's not "fair" as such, but then life isn't and past discrepancies will always go back on you, in all areas of life. I think Joey has accepted that (I hope) and I think the fans need to in some respects as well.

I'm not really sure what point I'm making here to be honest, just thought I'd chuck in some random thoughts I had.

 

Not sure past discretions should be held against players though. Tony Adams was banged up and went on to Captain the Arse & England.

 

If the world was perfect, it shouldn't, no. But it does in the real world, so I'm not sure how different football should be, really.

As Newcastle fans, it's different when discussing Barton as well, that's why I was thinking about it without my black and white glasses on.

 

I was one of the fans who wanted Barton out, and I must admit I have changed my opinion of the man.

Over the last couple of years he has really got his act together. I am not talking about how well he has played but how he has been such a major influence in the dressing room in creating and maintaining the unity and "battling for the team" attitude within the squad.

He has had to endure an incredible amount of provacation from opposing teams with little or no protection from referees. The only black spot was the Pederson incident, as you have already highlighted.

So I have to admit that I was wrong. When Barton went to prison I wanted us to rip up his contract. However, by standing by him and supporting him with his efforts to change his life (giving up alcohol and going to anger management) the club have helped Barton to change the direction of his life, not just his football.

 

marlon king would struggle to get into the england squad considering he's jamaican

 

woftb 1 - 0 gg

 

gracious in defeat!

 

Never thought I'd be able to respect him. Funny how things change.
Reminds me of when Pardew was rumoured to be the next manager and 98.5% of fans said they didn't want him or something

 

He's turned thing's around and got the fan's on his side. Well done to the lad.

 

I think at the time I was really pissed off with the way he acted with Shearer.
Apparently got abit heated in the dressing room. Having set that, he has turned it around and
is one of our most vital players.

 

I was one of the few who few who defended him. <smugsmiley>

 

So was I..


....YOU CANT FIND ANY PROOF I WANTED BARTON OUT.

 

i beg to differ. (with some redtop style out of context quoting)

I'd also like to get the <smugsmiley> out, with me saying at the time that he was (is) our best midfielder and that's why we shouldnt get rid

 

I'll admit I hated Barton, and would've been quite happy if he'd never played for us again. When we signed him I thought he'd never be able to replace Parker and that we were just buying a thug who wasn't as good as he thought he was. I think he proved all the doubters right by getting himself sent to prison and just generally being **** for his first few seasons at the club. Things really turned around during the Championship season when he emerged as one of the players who actually gave a ****. He worked his bollocks off to get us back up to the Premiership and he continues to graft every game he plays. It's a fickle game, is football. It's like one minute you might think Nile Ranger is a ****er for holding up a toy gun, but if he scores a hat-trick against the Baggies then I'm sure people will quickly change their mind.

 

You've fell into your own trap!

 

Although this article may sound like I don't like Barton or something, that's not the case. I'm a big fan and he's probably one of my favourite players at the club. Just thought I'd say that.

Certainly is, BGD

 

get rid of who? that quote alone doesnt refer to anyone

 

Oooooh you got out of that one, good job I didn't mention any names so I didn't breach your super injunction

 

He got suspended after the Liverpool game aswell didn't he? At that point I thought we'd definitely get rid in the summer, and I wouldn't have been bothered at the time as I thought the majority of our players back then couldn't give two ****s about the club, that includes Barton AND Nolan. Thankfully these two have been our most influential players over the last couple of seasons, and now I love them.