Rocky, I apologise if I'm wrong but I get the perception that you expect others to think the way you do. I have often felt that way when you and I have disagreed in the past. This is what makes this a diverse and interesting discussion board, if we all thought the same way things would be a lot less interesting, do you not agree?
All I'm saying, Rocky, is that people deserve second chances and that people can change. If Barton has learned from his (quite appalling) past record, if he is to some extent a reformed character, then he deserves the chance to move on and leave it behind. He's certainly an excellent footballer who would add something to our team as long as he doesn't bring a whole load of off-the-field baggage with him. Personally, I think signing him would be a risk and one that probably isn't worth taking. Nevertheless, his time at Newcastle, particularly since their relegation, does seem to have been free from major disrupting incidents, so maybe - maybe - he's changing. As for what Bandy says about you expecting everyone to agree with you, I don't see it myself. I enjoy your contributions to the site whether we agree or not, and I've never read anything you've written that marked you out as acting like the thought police. You take part in the cut and thrust just like anyone else, and quite right too. Same with Bandy.
It's a difficult one this, the second chances thing. As I believe you would be yourself, I come from the standpoint that everyone should be able to reform, and as a working class boy myself I've come up against a bit of snobbery in my time. On the other hand, Barton has had several chances and he's assaulted a member of the public and a team mate. Perhaps all those years of teaching in tough comprehensive schools has made me cynical, although I like to think I never gave up on kids (just the politicians who changed the rules every week usually). However I never liked Brown for example, and I remember a game at White Hart Lane (probably not long before he came to the Cottage) when he was so nasty all of us FFC fans got at him throughout - he didn't change his style for us either. OK, maybe he is maturing but not for me, we have standards! Thank you for your kind words on the bandy comment. Obviously, it's not possible for me to comment on how others perceive me; all I can say is I enjoy the cut & thrust and I believe I back up my views and arguments with reason, however spurious!
I'm with Rocky on this one. The point here is the subject of the issues surrounding Barton; we're not just talking bad tackles (as with Brown). We're also not talking about infidelity to a partner (as with Giggs) which to be honest is not really any concern to me. What we are talking about is jailtime for assault, coming after the assault of a teammate in training. I don't care how good you are at football, there is a point where I can't overlook the baggage.
