Swords, have you never known anybody who regularly got into trouble because they had a short fuse, or couldn't handle booze, or both, but as they got older changed their ways? I'm not saying that Barton is a reformed character, but I'm willing to believe that he could be. He has behaved impeccably on and off the pitch so far this season, and, until or unless this changes, I'm happy to see him in the team. If he lapses, he will deserve what he gets.
I also recon that Clint Hill has been assigned the job of managing Barton on the pitch. Has anyone noticed that at the first sign of any potential problem, Hill is immediately next to Barton, talking to him?
I too have been impressed by his turnaround this season and hopes he keeps it up although he is only one booking away from a suspension. I wonder how many of those yellow cards were justified and how many were just because the ref wanted to add Barton to his bow so to speak. Notice that Torres has got away with scratching the face of Vertonghen, can you imagine the furore is that was Barton, there would be people wanting to throw him to the wolves. The inconsistency of the FA astounds me.
Stroller, as you've not been on this Board too long, its fair enough you don't understand my response. Let me explain: When good ol' Joey was first signed for the Club, there were nothing but posts from folk saying "maybe he's changed", word for word, just like you said there, and guys like Roller advised them not to be so stupid and that it would all end in tears. You know, like giving a guy a second chance is the thing to do, but a 14th and 15th chance is a different story? I said at the time that those people who posted that stuff were naive and somewhat childish, but Roller put it much more articulately than I could and low and behold he was proved right. Barton went on a mad one and disgraced our Club, not just on the field but even moreso off it, with his disparaging (maybe that's too generous of a word) remarks about QPR. He's a grade A CU*T and always will be one. This is one particular individual to whom the phrase "a leopard doesn't change its spots" succinctly applies. Don't make the same mistake as dozens of others did on here mate. Having said all that, I don't care a jot now that he's performing. If and when he steps out of line again, we can ship him out after he's helped us achieve our aims. The Club comes before everything and everyone.
