Stop press - Joey Barton says something controversial. Using the social media site Twitter, the volatile midfielder has been afforded the opportunity to air a variety of views, ranging from the Israeli conflict to English-born players who chose to play for Ireland. Its no surprise that the club who unceremoniously dumped him three years ago has been on the receiving end of a few lashings of his cyber tongue. Claiming that he was given away because he wouldnt bow down to the power and control that exists within the club, he criticised the owner for his needless decision to change the name of the stadium in 2011. Why change the name other than to upset the natives? Sports Direct Arena - a big no-no. It will always be St. James Park to me. Ashley and his subordinates know the cost of everything but the value of nothing #numpties. - Joey Barton, November 2011. He has launched further attacks on the board - further endearing the QPR midfielder to the Tyneside faithful - but following his move to Newcastle in 2007, he had actually unleashed a verbal volley at the clubs supporters.
''I have not yet seen the famous crowd I was expecting to hear get behind us. Instead, it has been vicious. I dont think I have heard a crowd that vicious. Last Saturday I was sitting on the bench and after 20 minutes I had picked up on it. It shocked me. The fans want success and they want it straightaway, but unless they change that mentality and start supporting the side through poor results then things wont change. Sam (Allardyce) is getting the brunt of the criticism but doesnt deserve it. Not many managers can turn a club round in five minutes. - Joey Barton, December 2007.
So that's a wrap - what do you think? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
