Barton

You can't really liken it to Taylor though. There was a contract offer for him to sign. There is nothing for Barton to sign. Not even the one he refused earlier in the year. I think this is common misconception about his situation. The club are saying they want rid, just not pubically. I have stated I'd like a statement from the club but I think the reason one may not be forthcoming is they don't want to show their cards to prospective buyers. Unfortunately I think Barton is too cute not to see it and has laid the facts out bare. If they don't get rid by the close of window, they may well have to offer him something to protect themselves. Reality is they have the whip hand and can threaten him with isolation. He'll move eventually I would think.

 

Neither of us know, but I don't beleive that Pardew is simply Ashley's puppet, or that he'll let Ashley pick the team.

It would be very easy for Pardew tohave criticised Barton's conduct, if he was simply willing to be Ashley's mouthpiece. He hasn't issued the slightest hint of criticism.

The one comment that he has made (he's obviously trying to stay neutral for sensilbe reasons) is that once there has been an agreement reached and then gone back on, he was aware that it would be hard to get agreement again. He didin't give any details, but it sounded very similar to statements by Barton that a deal had been agreed and then Ashley moved th goalposts.

As I say, none of us know, but I think Pardew is his own man (albeit, one who realises he has to maintain a working relationship with the owner)

 

You'd expect a verbal agreement between gentlemen to stand. You shouldn't be able to move the goalposts just because it isn't down on paper.

 

Fredd I agree on him not being a puppet. I think he is very much his own man. But make no mistake what MA says goes. If this has become personal between him and Barton it will only end in him not being selected. The other more poignant thing is MA will not allow Barton to just run down his contract. This is not a pop at MA, other chairman would do the same. I just think when it comes to the crunch Pardew will have to do what he is told. He said Carroll would not leave at any price. But when the time came he basically admitted the decision was taken above his head. He clearly wants Joey to get a new contract and has stated it. But there isn't even one on the table. His power is limited like a lot of managers. Of course you have folk like Ferguson who is the club and a strong personality. The chairman don't risk upsetting them. It's hard for Pardew. He is the lowest paid manager in the PL and he knows he's very lucky based on his record to have this job. I think he just wants to give it his best shot and has come in eyes wide open that his power is limited. He'll stand his ground but when it comes to the crunch he knows he'll have to fold. Nothing wrong with that, and folk shouldn't judge him on it. He's a manager who just wants to be involved in football. It can be a difficult game to get back into once you're out and he knows what that feels like.

 

Welcome aboard Warm Pouch, see you've made the move. Anybody else left over there? Mr GKW?

 

So what evidence are you basing this wild accusation/lie on?

 

A few juries are out on a few people with this one.

So far, it is clear that Ashley has the final say on transfers, regardless of wha t Pardew wants. The Carroll saga told us that.

On the other hand, that is fair enough. what assetts a club wants to buy is down to the people who own the club. Idfeallyu a manager would like to be consulted, but it's not his call.

What use a club makes of the assets it has, however, is down to the manager - - if he is in fact a manager. So far, I have seen nothing that makes me think Pardew is not the manager. Myabe I will be proven wrong, but until then I will stand with the players on this one. They clearly think he is a man they can trust, and the manager. Barton clearly has a lot of time for Pardew.

If Pardew does pick the team (and the Keegan saga has taught himhe can claim a five year pay out if he isn't allowed to) then a very interesting few months awaits.

 

Well, I believe it was going off something Warm Pouch said about how Ashley could threaten their careers and force Ashley not to play them. Wouldnt shock me.

 

On the footballing front I absolutely don't want Barton to leave.

But as Leazes has said it is looking inevitable because of his own foolish actions. Yes MA should have been able to come to some sort of deal that suited both but with Barton running off at the mouth and insulting him that is now very unlikely to happen. Furthermore I blame Barton primarily for this. Barton obviously didn't get the deal he wanted and it is understandable that he is disappointed, but to react like he did and abuse the owner in that manner was totally out of order. No owner of a business would put up with that from an employee whatever line of work they were in.

In addition I am more than a bit disappointed with Barton for trying to manipulate the fans into fighting his case for him. His sour grapes remarks about us needing to buy the club only occured after his own desire for a contract had fallen down and were obviously fueled by self interest. I maintain that he would never have made these comments if he had gotten the contract he wanted. (Apologies if you think this is repetition I know I have said this on a few threads over the last week but it seemed relevant to this discussion).

As for whether he will play for us next season? I think MA will try to sell him and will accept any decent offers so it will depend on whether Barton is stubborn enough to see his contract out as he claims. If he does stay I think he should be treated like any other player and play if his performances merit it but be dropped if not.

 

he should go to west ham - a player who thinks he is the best in the world playing for a manager who thinks he is the best in the world working at a championship side - poor deluded fools

 

Now where have I heard that before?

 

is it possible to use the word gentlemen in the same sentence as barton

 

To be fair he said he was the "most in form English midfielder", which was arguably true at the time, not "the best in the world".