Well done Joey Barton!

Posted on August 30th, 2010 | 116 Comments |

Joey Barton handled himself well.
Joey Barton handled himself well.
Yesterday I praised Chris Hughton, then the club, but now it is the turn for Joey Barton to have his portion of praise.

Is Joey finally growing up? Perhaps it is too early to answer that definitively, but I have to say that if he carries on the way he is doing then it would certainly appear that he is.

You will probably be aware of what motivated me to write this piece, but just to clarify I am talking about the rough tackling he was on the end of at Wolves. Mick McCarthy’s simple tactic would have had the desired effect not so long back and Barton would have no doubt lashed out and seen red at some point for it. He didn’t lash out though, and that is why some huge credit has to go to Barton.

Barton is one of those players that attracts attention for the wrong reasons more often than not, but this time it is nice to see him recieving some recognition and praise for the way he conducted himself. The chants of ‘One Joey Barton’ from the Newcastle fans at Molineux on Saturday certainly show that the majority are behind the player.

Whatever Barton has done in the past has gone. It can’t be changed no matter what people say. He has also served his penance for it, although there seems to be a fair amount of people who want to see more punishment dished out to him. Understandable? Maybe. Justifiable? No.

Barton will have to get used to the rough stuff in the future as teams try and target him. I’m hoping it doesn’t end up with someone ending his career or something, and that could easily happen. Barton wasn’t helped by an inept referee at the weekend. He failed to protect the players on the pitch, and that should be one of his main duties as a referee.

The way some pundits reacted was particularly shoddy. Alan Shearer didn’t let his personal feelings get in the way as he laughed about the shocking treatment Barton recieved on Match of the Day. Shearer, you are a Newcastle legend, and still are, but you acted like a twat whilst doing that. That can’t be denied.

Still, it is gone now, and at least it has brought this awful anti-football tactic into focus again. You never know, the next time someone goes in a bit hard on Barton the ref may recall this weekend, and the focus that has been put on it, and act accordingly.

Joey did well to keep his calm on Saturday, and I hope it continues as he is proving to be an invaluable player for us in this early stage of the season.

Well done Joey.

NUFCBlog Author: toonsy toonsy has written 643 articles on this blog.

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116 Responses

  1. I agree he has shown an unusual level of maturity so far this season – even allowing himself public ridicule in the name of team spirit during the whole “moustache-gate” phase

    this is a welcome change IMO – finally players who (seem at least) to want to play for the enjoyment and the fans, not just the pay packet

  3. Hats off to Joey for not reacting, and I’ll reiterate that Hughton needs praise for also not commenting heavily on it and letting the focus lay firmly away form Barton and himself. Meaning that Joeys non reaction to it and the lack of comments mean that if the media want to talk, it has to be about their discusting side.

  4. Have you seen the comments by Karl Henry? Dear God, how old is he? 6? 7?
    “I got you in the playground and my brother can bash your brother and my conker’s a 99er”.
    By their behaviours, Joey Barton and Chris Hughton have already shown themselves to be bigger men than Mr McHenry and Vuvuzela-voice McCarthy.
    End of story…

  6. our best midfielder, if we are to stay up/do well this season, he needs to be part of the first team.

  7. Anyone else agree shearer is becoming another dick of a pundit looks like he is trying to impress mr liniker and the tv people

  8. I’ve read the comments by Henry, what a disgrace. Coming away from an encounter with Barton looking like the arsehole takes some skill (or lack of)

  9. I have to admit I was one of those who didn’t like Barton & thought he should be kicked out of football but after what happened in the last 2 matches, i must admit he’s starting to grow on me a little…. none of what he has done can be forgiven but as you say Toonsy, it’s in the past now & he’s served his time, so I’m willing to let that chapter lye & hopefully he can prove to me & everyone else that what he said about changing for the better lasts & in that case, we could have one of the best CM in the country but only if he can be thee same as he has for the last 2-3 weeks, calm, authoritative, commanding & cool under the pressure that other players will put him under…

    Well done Joey, keep it up fella :)

  10. “Anyone else agree shearer is becoming another dick of a pundit looks like he is trying to impress mr liniker and the tv people”

    He didn’t start his punditry career as a dick? I have no time for Shearer on TV.

  11. Agreed, Barton is shoeing some excellent form so far and it’s a backhanded compliment that macarthy targeted him as our playmaker to stop. Well done Joey for not going bosork because quite frankly anyone else would have. And keep upmthe great work in midfield and with set piece deliveries – awesome stuff!

  15. I have always been a fan of Barton the footballer and his form in the early matches have proved his transfer fee was correct. he has a long way to go to get total redemption but for me is one of the first names on the team sheet.

    What is the chances of us landing this big named striker from utrecht.

    A defender preferably a left back from City must be a possible however it is the old chestnut whichever left back we sign he is only going to be sitting around waiting on Jose getting injured. A suspension is not material for one game

    Hope keane goes to Villa and Taylor signs new deal. Just think management will be stirring trouble for themselves if they wont give Taylor 35K to 40K per week but are happy to give Keane 60K

  18. Workyticket
    You couldn’t make it up could you.

    What sort of injury has Xisco picked up? not involved in the cup tie or saturday i was getting quite hopeful about him this season.

    Is shoala always goung to be CH turn to player

  19. Karl Henry: “Barton fancies him self as a bit of a footballer”…,

    You should have stopped there, A talented player who has played for England the exact polar opposite of you mate a useless clogger who must have about the same odds of playing for England as i have… W@nker

  20. Just read the henry article he looked an arse on saturday and now sounds like an arse. Conclusion he is an arse.
    Then he has got to be to play for mccarthy

  21. Speaking of Shola, he has had crunch talks with Hughton over his role in the team apparently :lol:

    Unlucky Shola. Don’t trip over the door on yer way oot the office like :lol:

  23. Karl Henry has done his team no favours. Saying there will be more of the same at SJP has only drawn more media attention to the whole situation. No doubt he will be watched closely in the revere fixture.

  25. budalovesa patsy says:
    August 30, 2010 at 11:45 am

    “Workyticket
    You couldn’t make it up could you.”

    I thought I used to be a Geordie ‘heretic’, budalovesa pasty, but I’m not so sure now.

  27. ~ El Toro ~ – Perhaps that article needs a good public airing on one of the most popular Newcastle United sites (this one) a couple of weeks before the return fixture. Get in the public eye again, make people aware ;)

    Sounds like a plan to me :lol:

  28. players mouthing off & kicking lumps out of each other – long may it last.

    the return game @ sjp is a fixture i’m now looking foward tee.

    – bring it on..

  32. anyone else think we should get Guiseppe Rossi instead of wolf boy or Keane, he’s come on so much since he left man utd and didnt get a far chance at us, im sure CH could persuade him to come back and join the revolution

  35. Couldn’t agree more RE Shearer like Toonsy. He’s always been a bit of a boring twat, now he’s upped the emphasis on twat to a Hanson level. I honestly prefer watching MOTD2 with Murray!!

  37. Cullen – It’s only what the way he acted about Barton that has pissed me off. The rest of the time he is still a legend ;)

  38. batty…..aye but in the cold light of day I looked in the mirror and thought I’m far too good for them 2 :-)

  39. I can’t believe I got my Everton tickets yesterday £35 a piece then a lad was flogging some in the bar yesterday for £20 :-(

  41. While Wolves had Joey Barton in their sights, in several cases Barton was set up to be smashed by slow and predictable passes from his own teammates. While it was admirable that Joey “took the hits for the team”, there are issues of pace and tactics that CH needs to address or the physio room will soon be full and be spilling over to the hospitals.

  42. think shola will be off on loan to the ccc if we can tie up a striker in the next 30 or so hours left like,getting my hopes up about rip van winkle coming,what a name,looks like he knows where the goal is and fits in with our young team impetus,this guy and carroll up top with wor hatem and joey b pulling the strings would be great.BUT anybody else confused at who is going to make way? you would think for the attacking positions then it would be nolan and routledge? but he is il capitano? and then tiote for smudge? its good to finaly have some decent compo for places but it does give me a headache thinking who will play where and who will miss out so god knows what its like for hoots.think it sounds like hatem has been promised a central attacking role which would mean nolan missing out or dropping back into cm which is a bad idea imo as he is too slow,whereas barton and tiote in cm with hatem off andy carroll and rout and jonas on the wings sounds better? but where will any new striker go? then hba in cm or right wing? see what i mean? its a real dilly of a pickle as ned flanders would say-diddly-ay

  43. Rich – But if you got the £20 quid tickets, would you get in the ground? Or of you did, would there be someone sitting in ‘your’ seats? ;)

  44. BeeGuy says:
    August 30, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    “While Wolves had Joey Barton in their sights, in several cases Barton was set up to be smashed by slow and predictable passes from his own teammates.”

    “Hospital” balls in other words.

  46. Totally pathetic excuse for reffing on sat.
    & an absolute disgraceful ‘display’ of vile ‘tactics’ by wolves.
    Unbelievable levels of dickishness from the pundits on motd too. A new nadir.
    Can’t believe they treated a player, any player that way & got away with it.
    I’m ashamed of Shearer especially, he did the right thing by highlighting the extent of the attack, but then wussed out & had a laugh with the other mindless goons hansen & linaker. colin murray was no better on motdII.
    How the hell they think that is a fair & unbiased representation is beyond me.
    Can’t wait for it to happen to one of their faves (rooney et al), whilst we all laugh & show no empathy whatsoever.
    Barton has been excellent in keeping his cool so far this season under duress & totally biased reffing. One minor foul v manusa very early, kept his cool, was ‘punished’ by the ref wrongly, but stayed on the pitch. Same thing v villa & again one tackle after repeated provacation on sat again garnered a yellow.
    The only good thing to come out of this is the fact that they (McNose/wolves) are up in front of the fa, who’ll probably do FA.
    Tosspots, the lot of ’em. Refs/wolves/pundits/press.

    Well done Joey for trying to just get on with it & trying to show he’s turning his life around-Good lad.
    I’m sure that even the most ardent JB hater can see he’s going all out to change.
    Let’s just hope it sticks & he starts to get a bit more protection & respect from the powers that be.
    Not more, not less, just the same as any other player.
    Repugnant anti-football needs to be outlawed.
    If this game had been played anywhere else in europe they woulda had 3/4 players off, or after the first one, we’d have had a proper game.

  47. @32 – Rossi looks to have developed into a canny player.

    Shearer has managed to join the elite band of hopeless ex-pro pundits that infest sky & the beeb & is doing a first class job at turning into yet another twat on the telly who used play football.

  48. Toonsy..There real tickets face value £30.They came from the club thru the post but he didnt order any and nowts gone out of his bank account.I told him he should wait for a bit……but the club will twig eventually I would have thought.

  50. surely people understand why Shearer is holding a grudge towards Barton, Their falling out was because of Bartons stupidity when were three nil down at Anfield which robbed us of our best midfield player for the last three games of THAT season…

  53. Ahem,
    aal the players dropping out of the int. games.
    What a surprise! NOT!
    Even Carroll dropping out of the bairns.
    Wonder how many will be back to play for their club teams next time out?
    :)

  55. a think joey will be fine when they come up to our place him and tiote if he aint banned will just smash them up like they did to us then barton will go off on 70th min to ratpurous applause then smith will come on and carry on smashing them up =]

  58. CH wouldn’t have let his anger come across on tv like Shearer did, hey CC.
    Gross unprofessionalism there like.
    JB’s ‘tackle on alonso was no where near as bad as joke hole’s red carder anyway. It’s all perception. He’s the man eveyone loves to hate, mostly, for stuff off the pitch, tbf.

  60. CC……..your right it was a stupid sending off but surely if anyone has the right to hold a grudge about it then it should be us the fans and not big Al.We’ve moved on so should he.If he holds grudges like that he should give up on any plans to be a manager……….divnt worry tho Al ya still me heroe ;-)

  62. I love how Wolves try to play like newcastle were dirty as well. however after reading post match statsitics: wolves sucessfully completed tackles 24%, newcastle successfully completed tackles 92%… no comparison, there clearly was only one dirty team here

  63. CC says:
    August 30, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    “surely people understand why Shearer is holding a grudge towards Barton, Their falling out was because of Bartons stupidity when were three nil down at Anfield which robbed us of our best midfield player for the last three games of THAT season…”

    Nothing to do with “You’re a sh*t manager with sh*t tactics” then, CC? :-)

  65. CLiNT FLiCK

    Shearer and Hughton are very different people, In my Hughton should have questioned Bartons treatment instead of sucking up to Henry and McCarthy…

    I agree the Alonso tackle was never a sending off, But he must know refs will target him, The game was gone and we had vital home games against Boro and Fulham where he could have made an impact if his stupidity hadnt come to the fore again.

    I think Barton is a good player and im delighted to see him playing to his potential and long may it continue but if he was playing for anyone else we would be slaughtering him every time he touches the ball.

  67. Nothing to do with “You’re a sh*t manager with sh*t tactics” then, CC?

    I suppose that might have had something to do with it, Although im glad he spoke for the vast majority when he called Dowie a C*unt ;)

  68. batty says:
    August 30, 2010 at 12:45 pm
    “we wont get no 1 else in”

    That like we wont be spending any money like batts? well aye!

    See the lads on twitter have been twatting again today, reckon there is some strong interest in Saylor, and a striker will be coming in, not Keane and not van winckle or whatever his name is.

  69. Batty – Aye, pretty much all day. Was my mrs brother 21st birthday so I went out for a meal during the day and on the lash at night. 20 spirits and mixers in 20 minutes :(

    It’s clear that whilst I may think I am still a youngun, I’m not as young as I think I am :( :lol:

  70. CC,
    i reckon CH was just ‘keeping his powder dry’ for the fa inquiry, which is a very pro move.
    Say nowt, act casual. & let ’em have it in private in front of the fa.
    Proper management?

  72. Be glad if we don’t take keane, not that he ain’t a good player, just not keen (pun intended) on his self serving attitude.

  73. Are the FA actually taking action over Henry’s assault tactics like? As I said yesterday, nee bother with Hoots not going mad infront of the cameras over the situation. He doesn’t do feeding the media or loosing his cool. He’s a gentleman and that’s how he handles his business, I like it alot if I’m honest.
    Nee idea if we’ll get anyone else in. I think we only need a striker now so tomorrow will be interesting.

  74. Ross,
    i think it’s mandatory if a team gets 6/7 YC’s, might be 6.
    Anyone know?
    CH is proper cool, love his attitude.
    Aye, a quick left sided striker would be good before tomorra like.

  75. & Ross,
    the fa ‘must’ look into the refs ‘handling’ of that fight, i mean game.
    :)

  76. There is very little Chris Houghton has done that I can be critical of since he has taken over.
    I have generally agreed with his team selections, his substitutions, his manner and approach to transfers and the media. He really has impressed so much. I have now got complete faith in him. And I believe as long as the players have that faith and trust in him. We will be on the upward path.
    Barton, although no angel seems to have been given a raw deal too at times, being the scapegoat for behaviour many other footballers get away with. But having said that. He needed to improve. He has. And he’ll be huge for us as a leader and offers solidity and consistancy on the field.

  77. Clint/Ross…………..aye 6 yellows and ya in front of the FA who then do sweet FA……..it’ll be a small fine and thats it

  78. richie,
    aye y’right mate, that’s what fa stands for after all. :)

    Something will kick off big time this season, soon as one of the press darlings gets a kicking.
    Limp bastards.

    Dirty wolves! spit.

  79. Anyone got the new kit yet? I want a HBA shirt but will be ordering on line and have heard they are pretty tight fit. Should i go large which is what id normally get or XL.

    Am loving the start to the season me and my arsenal fan mate are winding up the red scouse at work. Made ourselves some 6-0 club cards and keep flashing them at him he is frothing making “above Blackpool ” cards tomorrow ha!

  80. Anyone got the new kit yet? I want a HBA shirt but will be ordering on line and have heard they are pretty tight fit. Should i go large which is what id normally get or XL.

    Am loving the start to the season me and my arsenal fan mate are winding up the red scouse at work. Made ourselves some 6-0 club cards and keep flashing them at him he is frothing making “above Blackpool ” cards tomorrow ha!

  82. Also anyone reccomend a site for shirts ? club site delivery charges is almost as much as the shirt itself and dont go to Australia so would need it forwarded on from a uk address

  83. I Love Mike says:
    August 30, 2010 at 1:02 pm
    batty says:
    August 30, 2010 at 12:45 pm
    “we wont get no 1 else in”

    That like we wont be spending any money like batts? well aye!<<<< ilm ive never once sed fatty wont spend his cash i just cannit stand the fat c@nt

  84. BATTY still nee photo like m8,whats ganning on,or are you still looking for a one of ashley like :)

  85. re. GeordieToon89

    Rossi is a class act but I don’t think Villareal would sell him for the £8m being touted around for Van Wolfy. He has become their main man upfront and has formed a good partnership with Nilmar so I think the chances of being able to afford him are very slim mate.

    As for Van Wolfy. The speculation is growing and it all seems very exciting, although I have my doubts everytime I see the price that is being speculated. Like I said previously would love to get him.

    On topic, I said if Joey came back and produced I would forget about his past because he is a Toon player and as a Toon fan all I want is for him to perform, which he seems to be doing at the moment. I don’t often agree with Arse Wenger, but he was right about Henry after his sending off at the emirates last year. He is a talentless clogger who people are naive enough to label a ‘hard man’.

  86. batty,
    alreet mate.
    Sell Howay james one of Toon shirts & send it ower to OZ mate. Just divn’t tak his eyes oot on p&p.
    :)

  88. Gonzalo,
    wenger is usually right like.
    That tw@ should be retro banned, as should McNose for giving the green light.

  91. The FA wont act against Henry and his actions and interview, it would have been different if it had been ManU or Arsenal but as they acted the same against Everton and this seems to be their way of playing, its only a matter of time before the shit hits the fan.
    Surely other referees watching the highlights would have been squirming and will put right what Saturdays ref failed to do with the bragging an added incentive.

  92. BATTY your not thick man just because its not working oot,one mans meat is another mans shite,keep it ganning bud

  93. batty,
    i’m ok bud, what fettle?

    Did y’get a laugh at that ‘arry clip?
    Excellent stuff.
    :)
    You been working?
    Ain’t seen y’in a while.

  94. bbb,
    sadly, i think you’re right mate.
    That bunch are gonna bust someone’s leg.
    That ref should be ashamed & then hoofed.

  96. Well y’back lad.
    Get stuck in, if y’haven’t already?
    :)

    Your lad back on civvy street then?

  97. batty says:
    August 30, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    “<<<< ilm ive never once sed fatty wont spend his cash i just cannit stand the fat c@nt" Money or no money, Hughton has just brought in two top players, batty.

  99. workyticket says:
    August 30, 2010 at 2:14 pm
    batty says:
    August 30, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    “<<<< ilm ive never once sed fatty wont spend his cash i just cannit stand the fat c@nt”

    Money or no money, Hughton has just brought in two top players, batty<<<< worky i never sed he hasent all that ive sed is we wont get no more players in iam happy with what we have so divent yee start ya geordie doon sooth :lol:

  103. batty says:
    August 30, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    “worky if ya havent got nowt nice too say speak too spew79”

    I only wrote I’m glad your bairn’s back!

  104. batty says:
    August 30, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    “worky iam very shocked tha u and stardust have ended your love affair like”

    I divven’t knaa what’s gannin’ on with that radgepacket, batty. Best let him get on with it.

  107. batty,
    that was funny mate, very subtle.
    I’m pretty sure you’ll give as good as y’get mate.
    :)
    Hey stu don’t get along with me either bud, one less xmas card, i guess? :)

    Glad to hear y’lads back & outta that hell hole.
    Onwards & upwards for him, bet the mrs is pleased?
    :mrgreen:

  110. Lasses man,
    what can i tell ya’, that y’don’t already know?
    :)
    Can’t live with ’em, can’t kill ’em.
    :)

  112. Roy,
    did y’check that ‘arry clip?
    You’ll like it.
    ;)

    It’s up there somewhere. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

  113. aye seen it clint – whish he’d fck off & take his shitbag son & pathetic daughter in law with him.

    the b@stards are taking over the airwaves..

  115. Roy,
    y’never knaa, he might get ‘done’ for his dodgy dealings eventually.
    & your/our wish will come true.
    :)
    Though i wouldn’t haad y’breath like, if the fa can let that debacle on saturday go unpunished, what chance ‘arry (H) getting busted?
    Little to none.
    ;) nadge nadge wink wink, hey ‘arry?
    :)