English Premier League: Barton adamant on signing a new contract at Newcastle
Newcastle United’s notorious midfielder, Joey Barton, has come out and admitted that he will be open to signing a new contract at Saint James’s Park, despite the fact that the club’s star striker, Andy Carroll, left in the January
transfer window. Barton has been in the headlines lately for all the wrong reasons.
The English midfielder is already despised by the British media for his on-the-field and off-the-field antics but at the weekend his infamous image took a new hit as he brawled with Abou Diaby in his team’s four all draw with Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger’s team played Newcastle United at Saint James’s Park and were well on their way to win the match as at half time break as the score line rested at 4-0 to the Gunners.
However, in the second half which will live long in memory for both the teams, Alan Padrew’s men fought back to a claim a point at their home stadium.
Newcastle’s valiant fight back was assisted by a few controversial decisions by referee Phil Dowd as he awarded Newcastle United two penalties in the second half of the match.
Not only that, Joey Barton’s dangerous challenge on Diaby infuriated the Frenchman which resulted in a fight between the two men. However, Phil Dowd brandished a red card for Diaby and left Barton unpunished as it was the Arsenal
midfielder who reacted aggressively to Diaby’s challenge in the first place.
Abou Diaby’s reaction was influenced in part by his lack of football for Arsenal this season. The 24-year-old midfielder has only played 9 matches for Arsenal in the 2010-2011 English Premier League season.
Moreover, Barton’s tackle in itself was a highly provocative one which instigated fight between the two men on the field of play.
There have been speculations that some of the more talented players in the Newcastle side might jump ship after Carroll’s departure to Liverpool for 35 million pounds in the winter transfer window.
However, in face of adversity, Joey Barton has come out and stated his support for the Tyneside club as Newcastle United fight to retain their place in the English Premier League for another season.
The Magpies gained promotion to English football’s top division after they finished as champions of the Npower Championship last season.
Barton confirmed in his latest interview to Newcastle United’s official television channel as he stated that the club and his agents have agreed a deal in principle for now.
Joey went onto confirm that he had second thoughts about his stay at Newcastle last month after Andy Carroll parted ways with the Tyneside club.
The Englishman elaborated that he is enjoying his football at Newcastle United and also taking pride in the support that he receives from the home crowd at Saint James’s Park.
In his extensive interview, Barton also said that the club had assured him that they will spend more money to bring in quality players but his job in return is to perform for the Magpies as responsibly as possible.
Newcastle United will be keen to hold onto Joey Barton’s services as he brings energy and passion to their lineup. Despite his disciplinary problems, the 28 year old has a capacity to influence the match in a positive way, a way
which is crucial to Newcastle’s survival bid in the English Premier League.
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