Heâd just won a final at Wembley so he like every other player going up those steps at Wembley were delighted. To say that it showed what the club meant to him or that he had a point to prove is a scenario invented in your own head. Will Keane was going mad at the final whistle. Does that show how much the club meant to him or how much of a point he had to prove? Donât think you can say Barton âwill keep the lads in line'. Hill, Rio Dunne,the coaches, Black and even Harry share this load. So no need to prepare singling Barton out for praise. Found it a bit wrong that Barton picked up the trophy with Hill. Should have been Hill on his own. Lampard and Terry have done it together at Chelsea but thatâs justified considering how many years of loyal service and what an influence Lampard has had on the club. Barton has had one semi-decent season with us and a lot of blots on his history with us so donât think he had any right to pick the trophy up first.
I'm no apologist for Joey. When he joined us, I said it was like taking in a rabid dog to deter burglars. And that end of season match against Citeh seemed to prove me right. But I have to say that what he contributed last season, both on and off the pitch, his influence and determination, was imo the difference being promoted and staying down. Major positive influence in the dressing room. With Rio in the side now, he may have to pipe down a bit...
Who would you rather have in the trenches with you? Joey stood up to be counted last season and, as Goldie says, he was the difference between another season in the Championship or getting up...
The beauty of this forum is the richness of opinions; and you and I are poles apart on this one! I think it was absolutely appropriate that Joey Barton lifted the trophy. He was the club captain when he joined the club, replaced by Ji Sung Park whilst away on secondment with Marseilles. I identified and observed him as the leader on the field in countless matches [and opined as much on this forum]. Interestingly Will Keane was one of those that I watched back yesterday and actually thought at the time how subdued he was compared to the other players.
Joey will be better with better players around him Many forget his best games for us were at the start of last season on the right Wingback.
He would **** off instantly if Marseilles came back for him. They won't because he is an aging and limited player, on a ridiculous £70k a week. If Faurlin is fit and on form Barton is not a first team pick with a middle 5 of Isla, Mutch, Faurlin, Yun/Traore. Adel/another number 10. His best chance of playing is right wing back if we play Isla CM, but Barton doesn't have the pace for that. He had a good season last year and always gives his all. But not PL quality, as was shown last time he played in that league.
