Ashley will not prevent Pardew playing Barton
Posted on August 12th, 2011 | 21 Comments |
It appears that there will be no further ‘boardroom revenge’ against Joey Barton for his renegade Twitter activities beyond the fine he has already received and that Alan Pardew will have the final say as to whether he plays against Arsenal on Saturday.
The usually reclusive Pardew gave an interview for once and had this to say when asked whether he needs to clear Barton’s selection at board level:
“It’s my decision. I’ll probably talk to Joey before the start of training on Friday but I’m not sure whether he’ll start on Saturday, whatever answer he gives me.”
On whether or not Joey will actually see out his contract at Newcastle, Pardew said:
“Only Joey will determine that.
“I’ve said to Joey that he won’t play for me and I won’t include him unless I think he’s pulling for us. He’s in the process of weighing up what he needs to do.
“I’ve offered Joey an olive branch – to me his crime wasn’t that great – but my dressing room has to be united, we have to fight as one. I think Joey’s in a better frame of mind. I think he’s beginning to get his head around that it’s a difficult decision for him.”
Perhaps Joey’s collection of olive branches needs no further additions and maybe a contract is what he was hoping to be offered. Just a thought.
Personally, I’d be surprised if Joey does play on Saturday. I doubt his anger at the club’s transfer policies and his own (non-)contract situation has suddenly gone away and I think the only reason he stopped Twittering about it was because of the club’s gagging order on the players. In fact, I’d be surprised if he even makes the bench but I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.
Pardew has also apparently solved a long running dispute about bonuses. I didn’t know there was one but it seems there was and it has now been sorted out. Pardew said:
“I think it’s very, very important that we all try and build a new understanding.
“It’s important that the club and players have agreed there’s something in place to reward you for what you do.
“I made it a big priority. It’s important the board and the players are together. At any football club that’s what you need. There has to be a mutual respect.
“Of course, as the manager it’s difficult sometimes because you’re in the middle. I’m employed by Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias, but my loyalties are just as strong to the players, who I represent and care about and want to try and enhance their careers and make them better players.”
Reports that Alan Pardew is to head to the Middle East to broker peace there too cannot be confirmed.
NUFCBlog Author: Hugh de Payen
I'm a baby-boomer of the punk rock persuasion, currently exiled in Somerset for crimes committed in a previous life where locals keep trying to poison me with something called 'scrumpy'. Hates sprouts, coat-hangers, Cilla Black, ornaments, Steven Seagull movies and 50 Cent (he's not worth 10).
Hugh de Payen has written 634 articles on this blog.
this whole barton situation has me clueless.i have no idea how the club could put him up as a bosman when he’s still on contract and how ashley even Thought of letting go of a player for free.
Oh,btw, funny ending