Pardew: Bartons Behaviour Has Been Exemplary Since I Arrived
By Tyne-Talk
April 9 2011
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has backed Joey Barton in interviews for both BBC Newcastle and The Guardian this weekend, adding that since taking charge at Newcastle, the midfielder's behaviour has been "exemplary". His comments come ahead of tomorrow's game against Villa which will see Joey handed the captaincy in Kevin Nolan's absence.
"Joey is an opinionated person and that isn't a problem for me.
He's striking the ball, he's connecting with the ball so well that he's a problem for the opposition.
He does deserve it for the performance and the discipline he's shown. It's off the pitch that Joey has corrected a lot of what was wrong with him as a professional footballer.
On the other side of it, if you had people without opinions, without that maverick streak then you wouldn't have talented individuals. You wouldn't have Eric Cantona, you wouldn't have George Best - some of these players, their make-up is that individualism."
Referring to the interview where Barton made his feelings for Manchester City's Dabo, quite clear, Pardew added;
"Joey may have thrown too many soundbites and perhaps he hasn't done himself too many favours with that interview. He is a little bit disappointed and feels he's been badly reflected but that's Joey.
I said: 'Well OK, Joey, perhaps you shouldn't have done it.' That is how he is but sometimes players and managers cannot say what they think because it will cause a massive, massive problem.
Joey expresses exactly what he thinks at the training ground and in team meetings. He will say: 'I don't agree with that.' It's good information for me and I will listen and I will weigh up whether he is right or wrong.
I don't agree with all of his opinions, on or off the training ground, but I recognise he does have a genuine opinion. We all have our own opinions about the England team because we love our country to win football matches, but Joey's opinion is his opinion, mine is mine and if either opinion harms someone then what's the point of making it?
Joey's behaviour has been exemplary, often under extreme provocation, since I've been here.
Joey is conducting his life off the pitch in the right way. Since I have managed Joey he has been a quality player for me and deserves the armband. In life, you have to deal with people as you find them. I don't dismiss anyone because someone told me their reputation is that of a horrible person or a nasty player.
Joey's career has been about extremes. I have to make sure he is on the right path and I am doing that. I try to give him the guidance and respect he wants."
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Lets hope he doesnt have egg on his face today at Villa after slating England players. There are a few in the Villa team so he may just have given them the kick up the ar.se they need when playing us.
Plus this crack about matching ambitions. It may be a little double bluff to actually get the board to spend but Im not a fan of doing you're dirty laundry in public.
BBC announcers said Gerrard or Lampard would finish the chance Joey missed. In their minds Lampard & Gerrard are lighting up the league. In reality, Lampard has exactly 2 more goals (and several fewer assists) than Barton and Gerrard is constantly injured and currently unavailable for selection. Also, both are at least a couple years older than Joey. Barton is one of the very best English midfielders and has a more complete skill set than most. I would rather have him than Lampard, Cole, SWP, Huddlestone or Carrick straight up, not even considering those guys bloated wages. Johnson and Walcott might have bigger upside but then they're virtually forwards. As for any Gerrard-Barton comparison, let's wait until the former comes back from his surgery...next season.
/rant
Not too mention all the other over hyped players, Terry, King, Upson, Green, Cole, SWP, Lennon etc etc.
How I hate the media and commentators on Sky they never have a good word to say about anyone other than the so called big teams and England internationals its like their little group.
Wilshere is an interesting case. I think he's a bit lightweight and thinks too highly of his own ability-this seems to happen to a lot of players at Arsenal. I don't know that they have the best mentality in that squad. Been thinking that ever since Fabregas congratulated RVP for his slap on Alves in the CL game, for which he should have been sent off. As captain, he should have given Van Persie an earful about potentially hurting the team in an important game.
I hear you about England's problems. Because of them I honestly believe we'll win a world cup before you guys.