Joey Barton Reveals Why Newcastle Forced Him Out

Joey Barton has revealed why the Newcastle board forced him out of the club. The former Newcastle man was bombed out of the club during the transfer window to Queens Park Rangers.

Barton moved to West London in August after being placed on the transfer list by Newcastle following a Twitter rant in which he criticised the club's board and how club was being run.

The midfielder has always publicly spoken out against owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias. The 29-year-old has now claimed that other big-name players left the North East club after a bonus dispute.

Barton claimed he is not bitter after leaving the club and is happy see Newcastle performing well on the pitch this season.

Speaking on QPR’s podcast Open All R's, he added; "Newcastle, as a playing squad, were the only club in Premier League history not to sign a bonus sheet. It was unprecedented,"

"We refused as a playing staff (to sign) as they tried to railroad the players into signing a bonus sheet.

"In their opinion we were a paid workforce. They thought we were Sports Direct and we should do what the subordinates at Sports Direct do, forgetting they were dealing with 20-odd egos, probably 10 self-sufficient men in a position to make a number of different judgements.

"Myself and the bigger-name players at the time advised the playing staff because we were head of the playing committee not to sign the bonus sheet and that filtered back to boardroom level.

"It's no coincidence that I was given away.

"It's all about power and control. They are running the football club and it's going really well for them at the minute but that's more a testament to the players and the fans, and also the manager (Alan Pardew ). The manager has been different class."

Joey Barton Threatens Newcastle United

Newcastle United contract rebel Joey Barton has threatened to run down his contract at St James’s Park, the board at Newcastle made Barton available on a free transfer on Monday and now the midfielder has suggested on his twitter page that may sit tight and let his contract run down.

Barton wrote on his twitter page: "Just because ur told to jump, it does not necessarily mean u have to. I may choose to stand perfectly still. It's my right...just a thought."

Barton was forced to train alone yesterday and there has been some strange going-ons at Newcastle recently, selling their best players.

Newcastle saw Andy Carroll sold to Liverpool last season for £35 million and Kevin Nolan joined West Ham in the Championship this summer.

It is also reported that Jose Enrique could be on his way to Liverpool, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and his board seem hell-bent on sending Newcastle down this coming season by off-loading their best players.

Barton, a former Manchester City player was voted Newcastle’s player of the season last year and to place him on a free transfer seems madness.

Arsenal, Celtic and Tottenham are all reportedly interested in securing the services of Joe Barton.

Barton was yesterday fined two-weeks wages for voicing his opinions on twitter at Newcastle owners.

You have to feel sorry for the Newcastle fans watching their club being ripped apart.

What could be next?

Joey Barton Eager To Extend Contract

Joey Barton has insisted that he would like to see out the rest of his playing career at Newcastle; Barton seems to have settled after three turbulent years at Tyneside.

The midfielder has been in great form for the Magpies this season, helping the club to eighth position in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old has now paid tribute to the club, stating that he is excited about what the future holds at St James' Park and wants to extend his current deal.

"I've started discussions with the club, and everything seems to be going in the right direction. So hopefully we'll get that sorted as soon as possible, and I can just concentrate on doing my utmost for Newcastle United, " he said.

"I want to stay here."

Joey Barton is keen to see Alan Pardew strengthen the squad during the transfer window, adding to the injury-hit squad in order to compete with best teams in the League.

It was disappointing to get knocked out of the FA Cup, but realistically I'm not sure we have the squad to compete on all fronts," he added.

"The pace that the Spurs game was played at was the hardest I've played at for a long time. The body is under a lot of strain.

"Man Utd and Chelsea use the squad rotation system so players can get a breather. We aren't able to do that at the minute until we improve the squad.

"Realistically our goal was to consolidate Premier League status. We're on target to do that if we can win our next two games.

"We've lost Smudge, Tiote is suspended and the big man (Andy Carroll ) is out along with Dan Gosling, who has had a setback.

"We need bodies - we've got 12 or 13 players fit at the moment who have experience.

"If we get injuries in key areas we'll be in trouble, as would any squad."

Newcastle Fans Protest Against Mike Ashley

Newcastle Fans Want Mike Ashley Out

Newcastle United fans have today shown their frustration towards owner Mike Ashley outside St James Park.

Fans gathered outside the Milburn Reception to voice their anger after Mike Ashley sacked Chris Hughton as manager during the week and brought in Alan Pardew as his replacement.

Chants of "There's only one Chris Hughton", and "We hate Ashley" and "Get out of our club" as well as "You're not fit to run our club" were heard clearly outside the ground before today’s game against Liverpool.

As kick off time approached, more and more fans were starting to gather and stewards tried to move in and attempt to remove banners criticising the club’s owners.  However, they were stopped as protesters quickly moved them on, although the demonstrations were wholly peaceful.

Speaking earlier, club captain Kevin Nolan said: "We can't deny it's been a tough week, but we know we have to put it behind us and, as players, we have accepted what has happened and we will move on."

Earlier this week Kevin Nolan admitted he was shocked after learning the sacking of Hughton.  He said, "I speak for all of the players when I say we were disappointed to see Chris leave the club."

"It's no secret that everyone was saddened to see him go.

"I'm sure Chris will go on to be a success wherever he goes next, and we wish him all the very best for the future and thank him for everything he achieved here.

"Hopefully we can carry on the good work he put in during his time here.

"We simply have to stick together and rely on the great spirit that exists at this club."

Although the players seem to have forgiven Mike Ashley, it remains to be seen whether the fans are so quick to forget the contributions Chris Hughton made at the club.

Alan Pardew Named Newcastle Manager

Alan Pardew joins Newcastle United

Newcastle United have today confirmed that Alan Pardew will become their new manager, the Magpies sacked Chris Hughton last week after guiding the team back into the Premiership and 11th place this season.

Newcastle decided they needed a change and has now turned to the former West Ham manager.

Several names had been linked with the position, but owner Mike Ashley has plumped for the qualities of Pardew and signed him on a five and half year contract lasting until the summer of 2016.

He started his managerial career at Reading after spells with West Ham United and Charlton Athletic in the Premier League.

Pardew resigned from his position as Southampton manager in the early weeks of the season after winning the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season.

"I am honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity at Newcastle United, one of the truly great clubs in English football," Pardew said.

"I understand what this club means to its supporters. Throughout the football world people recognise that this is a unique club in many ways, with supporters who are second to none in their loyalty, passion and devotion for the team."

Newcastle fans will be left scratching their heads with this decision.

Pardew continued: "I'm not a Geordie of course, but I'm a football person with a love of the game and I can assure you I bring great drive, desire and commitment to the job.

"Chris Hughton did a great job last season, guiding the club back to the Premier League, and he continued that good work this season. It is my aim to build on that now and take this club forward.

"I have always managed teams that have played attacking positive football, something I know the supporters here appreciate.

"At the same time I intend to focus on developing exciting young players through the club's excellent academy and development squad, and I know the board here at St James' Park are very committed to that too.

"I can't wait to get started and what better way to kick-off than welcoming Liverpool to St James' Park on Saturday."

Can Pardew do better than Hughton in guiding the Magpies further than 11th position this season?