Why does it always rain on us?
Quite often I decide to get a feel for public opinion on Tyneside to see just how people are really feeling about the big issues surrounding Newcastle United - and last night was the perfect evening to do so.
It rained heavily on the banks of the Tyne last night but the rain was nothing compared to the pain suffered by the Toon Army.
I instantly thought back to September 1999 when the heavens opened in the derby loss to Sunderland and Match of the Day played Travis' Why Does It Always Rain On Me.
It summed up the mood perfectly.
But while Barton's transfer listing has caused havoc in these parts there is also a mixed view on the Toon's decision to offer the Scouser for nothing to interested clubs.
Firstly, by listing Barton, Newcastle have lost another quality player with the ability to turn and win games.
It's also the loss of a player who had the same popularity as fellow departed stars Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll, both I'm reliably informed feel that Barton has suffered a similar fate to themselves.
To compound the frustration, Barton reaching breaking point has also coincided with United's transfer plans hitting a slower pace than earlier in the summer.
Alan Pardew made a good start to the window bringing in Sylvain Marveaux, Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and young Mehdi Abeid.
However, the frustration on the streets of Tyneside stems from the question of where the majority of the £35million picked up from Andy Carroll has gone.
It's a question that won't go away and the only explanation fans have had so far is from Pardew himself who stated the money has been used to help bring in the four players snapped up so far.
That doesn't wash with some fans.
Earlier this summer we approached the club and asked for some clarification on the money situation.
That hasn't been forthcoming but Pardew has asked fans to judge the situation overall come September 1.
Mike Ashley does not speak to the media on or off the record - there is no arrangement similar to that of Freddy Shepherd who used to telephone the newspaper on a regular basis.
Whether that is a good or a bad thing is down to your own personal views.
It is left to the manager and his coaching staff to keep fans in the loop with happenings at the club.
As I said, Pardew wants to be judged on September 1.
By then the window will be closed for business and the squad can be reviewed entirely.
Anger amidst the fans - notably on Twitter - has been obivious yet the true measuring stick when examining how people really, really feel about the situation is come the opening day of the Premier League season.
A lot of people have queried our coverage of Barton-gate but at no stage until this entry have I dished out my OPINION on it.
Some observers have confused general reporting of the situation (ie what happened in the dressing room at Leeds) with an opinion I hadn't even voiced.
In the world of the internet as it is today and so many NUFC sites to choose from these days, that's hardly a surprise.
But my overall take is this:
Newcastle have lost a great player in Barton and only time will tell exactly how the Magpies will cope - many are quite rightly concerned about life without Joey.
Without a replacement lined up it has to be a concern given the proximity of the first game of the season with Arsenal.
Then again, a midfield of Gosling, Cabaye, Tiote and Marveaux on paper poses the question, would Barton be guaranteed a start?
That's just a question - and given the way Gosling has been playing, it's a valid one because the lad has been oustanding.
You also have to wonder just how much money - if any - will be spent in the remainder of the window.
With 29 days to go though, Newcastle aren't the only team not to complete their business.
Speaking to fans, there are those who think that Pardew was right to sanction his exit.
Ironically for Barton it comes when he is playing his best football in a black and white shirt.
This isn't the first time Barton has caused problems in the camp at Newcastle.
When it happened under Alan Shearer in 2009, everybody backed Shearer and Barton was in the dog house.
Pardew hasn't had the same sympathy but that is understandable given the jury is out for many fans.
However, if the manager has done this to get some order in the dressing room then who can blame him with the new season about to kick off?
Barton's rant at Leeds, refusal to play if not given the captain's armband and overall behaviour at Elland Road surely can't do anything for the TEAM.
Is it any wonder it turned out to be such a disjointed performance?
The timing of it all though is the most baffling part.
But there again, surely NUFC have been trying to offload Barton since it was announced he wouldn't be handed a new contract?
Once Barton shook hands on a deal and then pulled out, it was always likely to end in tears.
Or is there more to this?
Is Barton's behaviour down to the fact he is forcing his own free transfer out of the club to secure an earlier exit?
You'd like to think it isn't true.
But in a world of player power it can't be ruled out.
Ultimately, if Pardew felt that Barton disrupting the dressing room, the younger players and putting off new signings coming to the club, he has a valid point.
Never mind the owners, the manager or the players.
The image of Newcastle United has to be the priority here, and if an unhappy player messing up the dressing room is preventing the club getting results and pushing on, he simply had to go.
For Barton it isn't the first time he's been in trouble and by his own admission he's had to clean up his act.
As a bloke, Barton is one of the most down to earth footballers I have ever met.
When people talk about players being "one of us", that's Joey Barton.
He's prepared to walk the high wire and has even branded footballers "knobs" in the past - risking relationships within the game.
Barton speaks his mind and wears his heart on his sleeve, sadly it has turned out to be what finished him off at Newcastle United.
Barton will be missed from a media man's point of view.
Never does Barton produce mundane or tired quotes and the player will have a future as the best TV pundit we've ever had.
Crikey, Vinny Jones has made a career out of movies in Hollywood and Barton could even trump that.
For now though Barton finds himself in football's sin bin once again.
But for a player who has made more comebacks than David Blane and Harry Houdini put together, as sure as night will follow day, Barton will soon be adding another controversial but interesting chapter to his chequered career.
For now that pain is set to continue.
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Lee Ryder - Proudly born and bred on Tyneside, the Chronicle's chief sports writer has followed the fortunes of the club over the last three decades as a Toon fan and football writer.
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A much more balanced piece. Take the point that the transfer business should be judged on 1st September, but we have known where deficiencies lie for a couple of seasons, and the key positions have not been addressed. Past false statements mean we cant trust words, just actions. If we don't as fans voice concern when the transfer window is still open, then what is the point? On 1st September the window will be closed. If we haven't improved the squad by then there is no point in saying anything as nothing can be done! Our squad is much lighter compared to a year ago and it looks at this moment like it is only going to get smaller! Injuries need to be factored in, given our track record and the record of our new players also. Problems staring us in the face!
Lee, is this the same "unhappy player" you told us on 25th July was missed on the US Tour, and the same "unhappy player" you told us on 16th July was impressing the Toon management with his approach and attitude...indeed there was no animosity between him and his employers?
Judge them at the end of the transfer window? I'll judge them by the end of the past few abysmal transfer windows, for sure.
The usual hysteria abounds. Leopards don’t change their spots, and whilst we should all encourage people who seem to be trying to rectify previous misdemeanours, the fact is that Joey Barton has always been trouble wherever he’s been. It’s going to be difficult if not impossible for him to change. That is probably why the club apparently received no offers for him when the news broke that he wasn’t going to be offered another contract. I doubt whether the top, experienced managers would touch him with a barge pole. Might be wrong, of course, and the attraction of no transfer fee might persuade someone. But anyone who makes derogatory, critical remarks about their employer is running a big risk – and there seems no doubt that this has just been the final straw. Pardew is often seen as a powerless puppet, but I suspect this has been a decision prompted by him and his coaching staff. With all his failings – and there are many – the sad fact is that whatever Ashley does is going to be slated by 95% of supporters. That is more because of his lack of communication than the specific things he does. Overall, I don’t agree that he has been a disaster, although he has made some bad decisions – as I have said before, look at last year’s position: better than for a few years, and the finances appear to be much stronger. Pardew is putting together a young, pacey team without breaking the bank. Football as it is now is not sustainable and I would repeat what I have said here before, that Arsenal are the only team who can more or less guarantee top four status over the coming years. That’s because they have been managed prudently for a long time. Even Man Utd can’t guarantee that – you just need to look at their finances to know that.
As with all things, time will tell and I know there are more than just a few supporters who do not feel as desperate as so many seem to be – this squad is decent and with a couple of additions will do OK.
The Carroll money was too good to turn down; Nolan as a player was not good enough; and Barton is obviously a bad influence and too high-maintenance. As for Routledge, £2 million is a good deal. Three or four players have come in and they look – at this stage that’s all we can say – very reasonable.
We seem to have decided that Ashley isn’t going to spend any money. That might be right, but it’s only August 2nd and there’s still a long way to go. We seem to have acted quicker in the transfer market than anyone else. There might be more to come – almost certainly there will be.
So let’s say goodbye to Barton – as Shearer thought we should have done a couple of years ago – and move on. Why not give Ashley and co. time to achieve what they’re aiming for (I know that invites a certain type of response, and I’m bracing myself) and back Pardew, who is as good as we’re going to get.
Just remember Luque, Boumsong, Marcelinho and Owen. Is that what we want?
Solid opinion lee. Thanks for mentioning the Leeds bust up as something that was being doubted. If that happened, then the man definitely has to go. Training alone today was even a good call
"Then again, a midfield of Gosling, Cabaye, Tiote and Marveaux on paper poses the question, would Barton be guaranteed a start?"
I think you criminally underrate Barton, yes he would indeed.
Lee,
I'm not really seeing a clear & concise opinion here. It's a simple question to answer. Should Barton stay or are they right to throw him out?
This is all very straight forward. The fans just want some honesty. In any business, the key is to manage expectation - for shareholders, in delivering your budgets and in pleasing your customers. Well this is no different, except no Toon fans have any idea what they as paying customers should expect.
Rather than all the waffle and bluster, what you need to do is get a one on one with Pardew (obviously Ashely would be preferential but that isn't gonna happen) and ask the following:
1. What is the expectation in the Premeir League? Is it simply to survive, a solid mid-table position or Europe?
2. Is it the plan to keep net spending to a minimum? i.e do we sit here every summer building our hopes up when realistically, we will never be competing for top players?
3. Are we a selling club in order to maintain financial stability?
4. What is Mike Ashley's goal for the club and by when does he want to achieve it?
If expectations are set and clearly defined, then no fan can complain. You then simply choose whether you wish to support the regime by buying tickets/merchandise.
Personally, they wont get a penny from me until some integrity returns.
Good blog, Barton had to go, not for lack of football skill, he had that in abundance, but NOBODY can be allowed to critise their employers and expect to keep their jobs, the crucial point here is discipline, or should I say the lack of it, from the parents who whine that they cannot control their kids because they are influenced by computer games etc,but allow them unfettered access to such games, to the highly paid (too highly) most of us agree, footballer who believes he has the financial nous to run a multi million pound business successfully. Most footballers left school long before they were able to take A levels, simply because they knew, barring injury, that they would be earning millions before they reached 21. Loyalty never, Barton cunningly plays the long game cleverly keeping his powder dry my continually telling the supporters how great they are, foolishly, they fall for this hype. Bye bye Joey you will be all but forgotten in 6 months.
Lee, you've tried a few times now to differentiate between reporting and an opinion piece. Fine, I get it. But why do your opinion pieces float the suggestion that Barton might have behaved like this deliberately to engineer a free transfer (pure speculation that, all the noises coming from JB suggest he'd love to stay if circumstances were different), but never seem to raise the suggestion that Ashley/Llambias are GROSSLY incompetent? Previous articles have sighted Enrique/Barton as the only people to speak out (and then implied they had their own personal agendas) but have never questioned WHY they might be so desperate to leave.
Let me refresh your memory Lee. Two years ago Ashley sold Milner, N'Zogbia and Given during our relegation season...prioritising c.£24m in the back pocket at the time over ensuring we had a team capable of staying in the PL. We went down by 1 point and the fans were then told that relegation cost us £40m+. Barton and Enrique witnessed this. Two years on, Carroll goes in the middle of the season when we were still not guaranteed to be safe, and Nolan, the club captain and dressing room leader, is then sold while he still has some reasonable market value (he didn't have to go, he still had 2 years left on his contract). In the midst of all this, virtually none of the Carroll money has gone back into strengthening the team…which is precisely what Pardew said Carroll’s legacy to NUFC would be.
So perhaps JB and JE have decided, like the fans, that the current owner has no ambition what so ever, and just wants to keep flogging our players when they attract some interest. That, along with the chronic lack of communication both to fans and players, would be enough for AMBITIOUS players to say enough is enough.
But why contextualise their unhappiness Lee when you can just portray them as greedy selfish footballers and let Ashley and Co off scot-free?
much better writing,see Lee it's not that difficult is it?
Who have our best players been in the last couple of seasons, Barton, Carrol, Nolan, Enrique .. It looks increasingly likely none will be retained. So why are we failing to retain our best players?
Why are we not reinvesting money from transfers into the team? (Don't give me that free transfers cost a fortune in agent fees excuse)
In every way it looks like NUFC is now a feeder club. Will Tiote be sold too? He's the obvious candidate.
Barton only told it how it is. The real problem is Mike Ashley running us as a feeder club and showing no ambition on the pitch.
No wonder there is unrest, I won't be happy until Ashley leaves
Good constructive comments but in all of the media hype about Barton ( and some other players at the Toon}, one important aspect which has not been covered. If Bartons loves the toon fans as much as he's always preaching, does he not stop for one moment and consider the damage he's doing and the hurt he's inflicting on us? In private business if an employee publically made degrading remarks about their employee, they would disicplined or even fired.
As an individual he has`his own feelings which should be respected. But he does not have the right to publish in the media his personal opinions about his employer and how they are running their business.
I've always belived that 90% of emotions are based on sincerity, but it's the other 10% we have to manage because they effect our judgement.
Joey's public comments are like knife being thurst through the heart of Newcastle supports.
This is an interesting extract from an article in today's Daily telegraph regarding the england cricket team:
'When Flower was interviewed for the position of coach, he was asked what it would take to make the leap to the top. He said he needed to change the culture in the dressing room. England needed to be rid of what he described as “player power plc”, those individuals who saw their place in the national side as a route to financial improvement and whose presence, Flower reckoned, inhibited newcomers.'
The problem with the current situation regarding barton is because management took no action when he turned down his contract offer and decided to see his year out. This was a recipe for disaster as clearly, barton being barton, he would be a disruptive influence in the dressing room whenever something happened that he didn't agree with. Pardew has indulged barton when he should have moved him on. The truth is that he has been poor value for money (£16million in fees and wages for one good season). The situation has been compounded by the sheer incompetence of Ashley and llambias who refuse to talk to us except to peddle lies and quite frankly they make Pardew look a fool as they undermine everything he says (the £35million reinvestment in the team being a classic example). The sale of Carroll was their big chance to show they were hell bent on taking this club forward and unless they change their tune between now and 31/8 this will be a chance lost. Keegan said at the time that pardew wouldn't get a penny of the £35million - please prove him wrong Ashley.
good writing.
Ium sick of all the doom merchant numpties bleeting on. Barton isn't that good. he would have made the team regularily, but wouldn't have been missed that much if missing.
can't help but remember how many thought he was an embarresing signing originally too.
I remember that day Wednesday 25th August 1999 when Match of the Day played that song at the end credits. It pretty much summed up the mood at the club. No faith in the manager, we were plummeting to the bottom of the table and there was a lot of doom and gloom around the place. Fast forward 12 years and we face in fighting between the board and players.
I fear Keegan is right in that we won't see a penny of the £35 million. The sooner Ashhley heads south and we have a new owner the better.
Yet another controversial incident under the Ashley regime, yet another falling out, and again the club hierarchy send out information which will discredit the person criticising them.
The truth is that the club needs players, quality players are being sold or forced out, and the 'manager' should be apoplectic,
instead of spinning the party line.
Barton, whether he is right to go public or not, can see this happening. Some of these huge transfer receipts need to be spent.
Also Barton may or may not get into the first team, but we will get injuries. Bring on Smith or Guthrie?
Yet another controversial incident under the Ashley regime, yet another falling out, and again the club hierarchy send out information which will discredit the person criticising them.
The truth is that the club needs players, quality players are being sold or forced out, and the 'manager' should be apoplectic,
instead of spinning the party line.
Barton, whether he is right to go public or not, can see this happening. Some of these huge transfer receipts need to be spent.
Also Barton may or may not get into the first team, but we will get injuries. Bring on Smith or Guthrie?