I owe it to those on here that have been critical of Joey Barton in the past. No rose tinted specs from me this morning. I cannot fault his passion or desire, but I accept that his performance yesterday - his passing and distribution in particular - was poor. please log in to view this image
I agree that Joey didn't have the best of games yesterday, but then again the same could be said for a few others. He was however, superb against Wigan in the second leg, and in my opinion MOTM by a country mile
No one had a great game yesterday. Once Kranky went off injured we lost our direction and let Derby take over. But it was noticeable after O'Neil got sent off that Barton did step up and was more vocal and played a large part in the organisation of the team. But as a whole, the team deserve to be applauded for holding tight against a side who fancied themselves.
He also got nowhere near a booking. He has learnt. Once ONeill and Hill went...he really stood up and was counted. I would like Clint to coach and Barton to captain next year please....Oh and Harry can manage
On the Watford board we've been expressing concern about not having a real leader in the team. I thought Barton gave a masterclass in the art yesterday especially when, as others have said, his own personal performance wasn't perhaps up to his highest standard. Bumped into quite a few of your lot last night as I drink in hennessys - you don't often see people looking so damn happy in that pub!
Barton re ignited confidence in rhe team a few minutes before the goal with a wide shot. It showed that we could hurt them.
Been watching the entire match over and over again as only had one bar on phone yesterday. Derby were brilliant but Barton when asked did his bit ... his tackle on Ward I have seen 4 times now and every time passion rises inside to say man v boy Ward ... This is football Derby have a bit of grit ... in barton it was matched and in the end overturned I will never forget yesterday trying to get a signal as no one could get any sort of reception at the wedding reception .... I had a HT score in the pissing rain of 0-0 and reports of Derby on Top The sun came out where i was (stair rods since 3pm) at 5pm and I got 2 bars ... i waited 4 minutes for the BBC page to load and see the FT score Elated and then got onto this site for a few minutes I have since watched the highlights and the entire match hasn't stopped yet as I have to absorb it but Barton did a hell of a lot of running regardless if we had of lost (we should of/could of IMO) Noticed players said afterwards this was Zamoras last game ... maybe Barton's ? .... we will need a overhaul IMO
As every body knows I'm not a fan and think he's a limited player, but it can't be denied he's knuckled down and brings, along with Hill and Dunne, an attitude and contribution to team spirit that has made a huge difference in the last few games - we have an essential bloody mindedness and stubbornness now that is a huge contrast to the spinelessness of last season. We'll need to retain that and add some quality next season.
He had a very good game, he also showed surprising sportsmanship by shaking all the derby hands instead of celebration.
Perhaps quicker transportation (reliability?) than...... please log in to view this image If Tony sells Caterham does he keep the birds? please log in to view this image Hopefully we'll come up with a better shirt next season and Tony will have that smile on his face more often:- please log in to view this image
I enjoyed meeting you Sku, and our little chat about Mr Barton. His passing in the final was pretty much as I expected before the match, but will happily admit that a) he doesn't get discouraged by his failure to find a team mate in his first 10 attempts and keeps trying and b) he was my man of the match in the second leg of the semi-final. As others have said, he wasn't the only one to have a poor game.
Agreed. However, they all made up for that by refusing to buckle and immense pressure. Heroes all of them.
He contributed spirit and character and backbone - if not accurate passing - still think the former is worth several million to us,,
This. One of the strongest candidates for player of the season. Changed rapidly from shortfused timebomb on the field to a real modelplayer and big factor behind our teamspirit. Really the "balls" of our team.
