The erstwhile Mr Barton last season and the one before was for me the epitome of all that was wrong with us and football,arrogance and no real care for the fans and couldn't wait to naff of to Marseille.I readily admit I was his number one critic but most of it in my view was justified as you pays your money etc etc etc.
This season I have no idea what was said or done behind the scenes but he has been a revelation and has been putting in some quality shifts so far,maybe he realised that his attitude was putting other clubs off from taking a chance on him.Either way he has been the fulcrum for most of what has been good this season.
I can only judge on what I have seen via dodgy streams here in the U.S. but what I have seen I have been very impressed with not just his performances but his attitude too.My mouth was watering at the possibility of him and Ale Faurlin bossing the midfield the rest of the season but sadly Ale has suffered another horrendous injury
.
The one thing that has massively changed is the spirit amongst the squad as reported they were gutted and somber after the defeat at Burnley,which last year the majority of the squad didn't give a fig win or lose.What a difference a few hungry players can make eh?
I am still not sure of the lone striker system as Austin in some games seems to be starved of service but has still scored goals albeit sporadic so maybe now with a fit AJ WE SHOULD GO 4-4-2?.Then again I'm not the gaffer and so far "Arry" in the majority has got it right with the injuries we have had.
I admit last season saying that Clint Hill is finished but it shows he is a fabulous championship player but not quite up to the mark in the Premier league.He has shown everything we need from a skipper this season and is the first name on the teamsheet.
Hope you are all well back home and where ever you are
Ade
This season I have no idea what was said or done behind the scenes but he has been a revelation and has been putting in some quality shifts so far,maybe he realised that his attitude was putting other clubs off from taking a chance on him.Either way he has been the fulcrum for most of what has been good this season.
I can only judge on what I have seen via dodgy streams here in the U.S. but what I have seen I have been very impressed with not just his performances but his attitude too.My mouth was watering at the possibility of him and Ale Faurlin bossing the midfield the rest of the season but sadly Ale has suffered another horrendous injury
The one thing that has massively changed is the spirit amongst the squad as reported they were gutted and somber after the defeat at Burnley,which last year the majority of the squad didn't give a fig win or lose.What a difference a few hungry players can make eh?
I am still not sure of the lone striker system as Austin in some games seems to be starved of service but has still scored goals albeit sporadic so maybe now with a fit AJ WE SHOULD GO 4-4-2?.Then again I'm not the gaffer and so far "Arry" in the majority has got it right with the injuries we have had.
I admit last season saying that Clint Hill is finished but it shows he is a fabulous championship player but not quite up to the mark in the Premier league.He has shown everything we need from a skipper this season and is the first name on the teamsheet.
Hope you are all well back home and where ever you are
Ade
