It is interesting to compare the link to Barton with that to Marlon King a while back. Then, posters onto 606 didn't want him because of his (ahem) baggage. There seems to be some support for Barton despite his baggage. I appreciate that this ain't quite apples with apples, but it would be a shame if the 'excusability' of the baggage was determined by the usefulness of the player, although I suspect it has sadly always been thus.
It is a fair point Uber. But while I don't condone JB slapping a drunk scumbag outside a nightclub, I certainly do not put it in the same league as a registered sex offender who has been inprisoned for assaulting and beating up women. Barton has had problems off the pitch, If we can get him on a 'no trouble' contract and he keeps his nose clean he would be an absolute stellar signing (imo).
I think King's past misdemeanours were far worse and he wouldn't have improved the team an awful lot. Derry simply can't play 38 games and we're desperately short of a quality midfielder with a bit of experience too.
Difference king is crap with baggage barton in the other hand is an excellent player with baggage imo I would have barton at QPR because he would improve us in the pitch
Derry played more games than that last season, and it is not as if we are likely to have a cup run is it? He is not as old as he looks! There are fewer mid week matches so he will get more recovery time. The interesting question is if Uncle Neil decides he needs a rest, does he leave him out of a "tough" game such as Man U away, or an easier match which of course are the ones we really need to win?
I know you're arguing a case, but you've clearly skipped over the majority of Barton's offences, whilst trying to make King sound as bad as possible.
...which was exactly my point. When getting King in was mooted, posters recoiled in revulsion, citing his misdemeanours. When Barton is mooted, posters get excited and somehow believe Warnock can tame the man where a host of other managers etc. have failed. Whilst acknowledging the point that there's a wealth of difference between their respective baggage (actually, this was my 'ain't quite apples with apples' comment) my opinion is that the club should take the view that neither reaches the standard of civilised behaviour to which the club aspires, irrespective of their on-field ability.
I reckon Eamon Holmes has it spot on. Especially if they gave him the armband. I don't see it possible for Colin to have his arm around two egos and keep them both sweet. Add Puncheon to that mix - by all accounts he's a bit of a prima donna - and you have a pretty volatile mix. Not the best situation when we're going to need a really solid team unit to get us through some of the darker moments that are inevitably ahead.
We've got Swansea away followed by Arsenal away followed by Norwich in a week over December and January. I'd hope he'd be pragmatic about it if it were necessary. I agree he's spritely for a guy of 34 but the pace of opposition is on another level in this league and it's unrealistic to expect him to be fit for every game.
Can't make my mind up on this one. He's undoubtedly a good player, but he could well be too much trouble!!
...which was exactly my point. When getting King in was mooted, posters recoiled in revulsion, citing his misdemeanours. When Barton is mooted, posters get excited and somehow believe Warnock can tame the man where a host of other managers etc. have failed. Whilst acknowledging the point that there's a wealth of difference between their respective baggage (actually, this was my 'ain't quite apples with apples' comment) my opinion is that the club should take the view that neither reaches the standard of civilised behaviour to which the club aspires, irrespective of their on-field ability. ---------------------------------------------------------- Diego Maradonna, George Best, Paul Gascoigne, Tony Adams, Paul Merson our won Bradley Orr etc etc etc. Really??
So rest him for the Arsenal game if he needs it, that one will not define our season. I know it is not ideal, but whatever happens I wouldn't want Barton at my club.
Barton: Convicted of Assault+affray, and Assault. King: Convicted of Wounding, fraudulent use of vehicle licence/theft, credit card fraud, Obtaining property by deception and criminal damage, handling stolen cars, Assault and unprovoked attack, Assault, Sexual assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Not quite the same (imo)
Surprised some of you wouldn't have him. I doubt you'll get him though, he's said he wants to stay at Newcastle and he's on £60k, so you won't get him cheap and certainly not on a "no-trouble" contract.
Cheers Uber. My point is, labelling Barton with King is unfair, and stating that we (I) only want Barton now and not King last season because of what they can bring to the team holds no credence seeing as we (I) was well against King coming to LR last season despite him being far better than any Centre Forward that we had at the time.
I don't think that anyone is doubting his ability, nor the fact that he is better than the players we currently have, however, we some of us care about the character and reputation of our players. It is probably a naive attitude, but I think it is the right attitude.
This seems to be the form of some posters' argument for signing Barton: 1) barton would improve on-field results 2) improved on-field results are good for the club so.. 3) barton would be good for the club similarly 1) bribing referees would improve on-field results 2) improved on-field results are good for the club so.. 3) bribing referees would be good for the club I stick by my post on the previous page. There's no reason we'd want Barton any more when we could get someone equally good without the baggage.
