We miss his leadership qualities, not least his footballing skills - plus his mentoring and coaching of young Ravel Morrison. Now I know that rangercol and perhaps others, inter alia have shot me down over similar comments. So let's set the [broken] record straight with some straight talking facts that illustrate the importance of Joey Barton this season: In all matches - 40 SBC and 3 cup: When he has played - we have won 18, drew 7, lost 8 When he has been absent - we have won 3, drew 3, lost 4 I rest my case m'lud!
He provides a bit of midfield oomph and urgency I'll give you that Sku, and we may be a better team with him. But he doesn't make us into a good team when he plays. And I am still 100% convinced he is a very average player, and is at home at this level. I still wish he had never come to our club though. I've said enough on him, and Redknapp, but people will keep on bringing them up.
He'd be wasted doing that. Let him have his well deserved career in media. Grown to like JB, something I never thought possible. He's faced his demons and come out looking much the better for it.
A profound observation Imaz. I too was embarrassed at his 'moment of madness' at the City of Manchester stadium. But you're right, he's shown complete maturity this season; both on and off the pitch.
Would that include the moment when he petulantly kicked the ball at a Leicester player having just been booked and got sent off?
Good point Rollercoaster Ranger, I accept this was a momentary blip, in an otherwise faultless season. Not quite perfect, I agree. Did you see or hear his address to the Oxford Union? A well crafted, self-effacing narrative.
You'll have to let it go Roller. He is one of the few players that shows leadership on the pitch, one of the very few in fact. I have grown to admire him for this.
I've seen snippets of the OU address and he comes across well. The Clive Woodward interview on radio 5 was very good too- he will definitely have a future in the media if he chooses. How good would it be to see him shake up those smug ****ers on MOTD?
Otherwise faultless? Maybe you and I should swap glasses Sku. I didn't watch his address to the Oxford Union, nor am I going to. I have no interest in anything he has to say except goodbye.
Agree he has been good on the pitch. With Clint and Charlie a candidate for Player of the Season so far for me. This season, he has kept himself pretty well in control despite a lot of provocation.
Rollercoaster Ranger - whilst I accept your opinion - surely you'll agree there's a longer queue of candidates for the door before you arrive at Joey Barton. Does attitude and skill on the pitch count for nothing?
