please log in to view this image Under-fire: Joey Barton has constantly courted controversy 11 April 2012 QPR defender Clint Hill has branded Joey Barton "brave" for criticising the club's supporters. Barton hit out in his programme notes ahead of the recent victory over Arsenal, claiming the stick he had been receiving following his big-money move from Newcastle had begun to "seep in". However, the words seemed to have a galvanising effect as Rangers secured a shock win over the Gunners and ahead of tonight's encounter with Swansea at Loftus Road, Hill has spoken out in favour of his team-mate. "Joey was brave to come out and say what he said in his programme notes, but it has had the desired effect," Hill told www.qpr.co.uk. "The fans have been a little bit despondent with some of our performances and results, but there is a unity about us right now. "It was a bit of a rallying cry if you like. It worked wonders against Arsenal and hopefully it will do the business against Swansea too." There will be even more responsibility on Barton tonight after it was confirmed Shaun Derry will miss out through suspension. It had been hoped Derry's harsh dismissal in Sunday's defeat at Manchester United would be overturned. However, that has been dashed by the Football Association, leaving Derry to serve a one-match ban. It is a blow for Rangers manager Mark Hughes, whose side remain outside the bottom three on goal difference as a result of last night's home defeat for Blackburn against Liverpool. With a trip to West Brom at the weekend, the Londoners clearly view it as a time of the season when they could make a significant step towards safety. "These two games are massive for us, the biggest of our season so far," said Hill. "Hopefully we can take the form from our last two home games into our next two fixtures." QPR can take heart from having won the corresponding fixture last season, although it is the Welsh outfit that has adapted to life in the top flight far better. "Swansea have been brilliant," he said. "They've adapted to the league really well and deserve a lot of credit. "They are safe now, so hopefully we can take advantage of that. "It's a small pitch, which perhaps suits us more than them. "We know they will have a lot of possession but hopefully we can take our chances when they come." http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/football/clint-hill-backs-brave-teammate-joey-barton-7636177.html?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...for-criticising-QPR-fans-says-Clint-Hill.html 'Not sure why Joey is 'brave' for criticising the fans? He's hardly the self proclaimed 'best midfielder in England' is he? He has been a lot better since he stopped twittering every 30 seconds. And what's with Clint's comments that Loftus Road is a small pitch? I thought we put this one to bed many times before? Its the ground that's small and not the pitch?
Sorry Clint, can't agree with you mate. He was neither brave, nor was his article the rallying call that turned everything around.
WHAT a load of tripe ... i am leaving my house now BARTON you prick to come and watch this must win match ... You better perform old kiddy A win .... nothing else will do i don't care how scores... if we cheat or whatever just win
