Nolan / Barton

When Xisco's here (i.e. the summer), their best mates too.

 

Does the pope **** kids? Of course we're better off without them. All is good again. What an exciting time to be a mag!

 

dear lord.

 

I'm thankful for all they did, but we're better without them. I can imagine they caused an awful lot of friction in the changing room. A real leader has emerged in Colo too!

 

I think Joey Barton leaving was a good thing for the club in all honesty.

Although he was excellent at times, it did always seem to be about him - whether it was positive or negative - he seemed to always want to be the principal part.
I think Pardew is happier now that Barton has gone to QPR.

I wasn't happy that Kevin Nolan was sold as he really was Captain Marvelous at times - an inspirational character and a massively under-rated footballer.
He has always scored goals from midfield and it's not something we've replaced - nobody is prolific apart from Ba and the midfield do need to chip in with more goals.
Granted we've not missed him because of the Cabaye signing, but all the same, he was and is a great player.

People often mention his lack of pace - it doesn't make any difference if you position yourself correctly... just ask Teddy Sheringham.

Overall it's worked out well for us this season, I think that's got more to do with what Alan Pardew has affected the team ethic with, rather than the personel.

 

Barton was unnecassary in a pure footballing sense.

He may have been a total penis if he was not in the team for a few weeks.

Same for Nolan, he could have done a job especially when Tiote was out injured. But he wouldnt have liked having a bit part in the team.

 

Had my doubts about Barton's departure but I certainly wasn't 'baffled' at Nolan's. Knew getting rid of him would never turn out to be a bad thing provided we replaced him with a player we don't carry for at least half an hour every match as he's blowing out his arse.

 

Better off without them.

Nolan wasn't going to get many games, I think we all knew that once Cabaye joined. The argument that his goals were worth a place has also been disproved.

Barton I wanted gone since the relegation season. Never liked the bloke and hated his infuence on the club. If he'd still been here now the chances are we'd still be discussing his antics on twitter and his arguments with the management more than the football. Good riddance to him.

 

Both very good players I'm not gonna change my mind just because they're now elsewhere.

Nolan did an outstanding job for us in his time here. I thank him kindly and I was 50/50 on him when he went. I just felt he was only any use as a 2nd striker and couldn't play centre mid. The wages required to keep him here as a squad player were not realistic. The deal with West Ham suited everyone really, Nolan included because at his age he needs to be playing.

Barton would certainly command a first team place for me. He is a right midfielder in my book so I'd have him ahead of Obertan all day long. there is no comparison to be made in terms of quality and footballing brain. Barton is streets ahead. Shame the way it went but I think they always wanted rid and everyone moves on. Still grateful that he did such a cracking job last year and they both played a big part in re-establishing us. I'd prefer to still have Barton but football moves quickly and its best left now.

 

I wasn't bothered about Nolan going, and we hadn't even signed Cabaye at that point had we? He did well, but his game was limited and we got a decent bid considering the stage he's at in his career and that he seems to do very little to condition himself. I couldn't believe it when I heard we'd offered him a four year deal.

I still think releasing Barton was a mistake, especially as we didn't get a fee. He'd offer something completely different to Obertan on the right, and I think most people would prefer him in the team. He'd also provide good cover in the centre. Also, people have suggested a 4-3-3 since Cisse signed, I think this would work better with Barton in than Guthrie. Guthrie, Cabaye and Tiote are all pretty similar, Barton would've given a lot more drive.

 

I personally was over the moon when Joey left - he's a **** fullstop.

Nolan, I would have liked to stay as cover, but couldn't give a **** now. Still like him though.

 

I think Barton's contract worked against him...it wasn't going to be easy to renegotiate a deal with the regime Ashley wanted implemented, when you factor in Barton's agent wanting a share of the pie, it just complicated matters... As for Nolan, thanking him for all he did for the club, but he isn't missed because of Cabaye..

 

I'd have Barton back in a crack. The blokes an arse, granted, but he'd replace Obertan every week for me.

 

I still really like Nolan. Great leader, always gave 100%, our main man in the promotion season, 5-1 etc etc but it was the right time to sell. He was struggling to get through games at the back end of last season and as a CM his overall contribution was a bit suspect. Still very appreciative of what he's done for the club and if he came back to SJP I'd give him a good reception.

Barton is a complete tosser. He had me fooled during the 10/11 season, especially with his heroics in the 4-4, and I thought he'd turned a corner, but what with his embarassing antics vs Arsenal, his hissy fit at Leeds, and his compltely unnecessary Twitter tirades I was glad he left.