Barton is not signing for West Ham What do we think of him, should we manage to attract him to the Championship ? He didn't keep QPR in the Prem, so maybe he wouldn't keep us in the Championship Also, if he were prepared to play in the Championship then why move from QPR (who would be more likely to afford his wages) ? Bit of a Marmite player this one I would be afraid of what he might do behind the scenes, but he would bring plenty to the table (namely aggression and experience) Opinions ?
Pay as you play could be an option but I still have my doubts. Barton is a finger in your eye no-nonsense player with a short fuse that could bring division to the dressing room which we definitely do not need. What we do need however is a player with the footballing desire of a Joey Barton but with a different head. Not comfortable with our attempts at signing new players this season and the initial results show how our lack of preparation for the Championship is coming back to bite us. Forget the hangover excuse because it's your job to make the cure and you haven't. Like us you knew the task ahead.
If Barton wanted to play for us, I'd pick him up myself and drive him to Ashton Gate. We have a young squad, and while Barton has had his issues he's been a model professional in helping to mold youngsters and put them on the right path. If he had an eye on coaching, I'd love to have him on a year deal and for the club to help him get his coaching badges. Barton would be an inspired signing, but I don't hold much hope of him joining us. If he wanted to play in the Premier League he would.
His wage demands would be excessive and he would probably upset the team spirit with that big gob of his... Saying that with such a young squad maybe he would do a good job with his previous experience. Personally I would say no...
