NUFC confident of finding bidders for Joey Barton
May 6 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
Barton’s latest punishment was sparked by his dismissal by referee Phil Dowd for a terrible lunging two-footed challenge on Xabi Alonso late in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Liverpool. It left the Spaniard with a badly bruised ankle but the Reds will be relieved the damage was not significantly worse. The offence carries a
three-match suspension, automatically ending his season. But what burned what remained of Barton’s bridges on Tyneside was his behaviour in the dressing room after the match when he was involved in a furious dressing-room row with his manager.
By the time Shearer came out to address the media, his mood was sombre and his tone highly critical of Barton. United’s all-time goalscorer made no attempt to publicly defend a player who left the field shaking his head in dissent.
Asked for his observations of the 77th-minute incident he described the sending off as a "correct decision", adding "the referee was spot on". He also made it clear he felt let down by Barton (pictured left).
Shearer had recalled the player for his first appearance since fracturing a metatarsal at Manchester City in January.
Perhaps the saddest element of the whole sorry story is that a disciplined Barton would have been just what Newcastle needed to add greater mobility and goal threat to a midfield sadly lacking both this season – hence their confidence they can find someone to take him off their hands.
Jose Enrique has been ruled out of Monday’s crucial encounter at home to Middlesbrough, but Steven Taylor could return from a bruised ankle.
Meanwhile, Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has spelt out his desire to sign on-loan former Newcastle midfielder Lee Bowyer on a permanent basis – providing his wage demands are not too high. Bowyer, signed from West Ham on a temporary basis in January, played a major part in helping City regain their place in the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt.
McLeish would be happy for the former Leeds player to make the switch permanent but is aware that he may have to look elsewhere if his personal terms are excessive. The Scot explained: "Lee would be a worthy addition to the Birmingham squad, a free transfer, although it depends on his demands. If his demands are too high, then we may have to look elsewhere, but it is not often that you don’t have to pay a big transfer fee as well as big wages as well.
