this is just my take on it. he obviously doesn't want to leave Newcastle and not overly thrilled about joining us. the only ones happy about this deal are us the fans. I really hope he can get his head sorted if/when he signs for us otherwise this could go pearshaped.
I think it's a case of 'Grim Necessity' for both parties. If you think back to six months ago, we would never have dreamed of signing a player of Barton's calibre. We would of laughed and said '' Yeah right! '' This is a classic example of being careful for what you wish for. Barton is indeed a risk, but no more of a risk than Dyer, Gabbidon, or even Derry was when you think about it. I bet you, Barton dosen't receive as many red/yellow cards as Clint Hill has since he has been with us.
I agree, I'm delighted he's coming to us but he does so with a heavy heart. that's my worry. having said that footballs all about transfers. gorks didn't want to leave us but hes gone to reading.
Guys, joey barton on a free??? That's a top player and it doesn't even touch our transfer budget. Amazing if it comes off. Love him or hate him, he'll be ours. Now let's see who else fancies us before deadline day. Can you hear the Swansea sing? No!
Yous lot should consider yourselves extremely lucky to land Barton, I think he was our best player last season. I'm devastated he's leaving us but don't blame him that much after the way our owner has been treating him and the other players. I really have a lot of reasons to hate that fat ****.
I think Barton's heavy heart is about not wanting to alienate the Toon fans more than anything. Doesn't strike me as the kind of character who will be half hearted and will want to win us over fast as well.
Strangely quiet on the western (Welsh) front... Or is that the sound of DragonPhiljack choking like his team...
Stoke fan in peace guys... I would have LOVED Joey Barton to have signed for Stoke, we were interested and for whatever reason.. it didn't happen. ONLY question I have is... how long is his contract for and is he earning 100 grand a week? Our Chairman obviously thought that was too much but then again, he's mega rich owns Bet365 but not stupid to pay OTT wages that's just my own oppinion. I HOPE he does well for you guys either way. Some of the Stoke didn't want us to sign Joey. I reakon you have the BARGAIN of this window he's a gem of a player.... all the best apart from the two obvious games.
He is just being sound and true to his word, I have worked in Newcastle and their passion for football imo is not beaten anywhere on this planet
