Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew praises 'eccentric' Joey Barton
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has predicted the “eccentric” Joey Barton will thrive in the Premier League for the next six seasons, even though his long-term future remains in doubt.
Conquering his demons: Joey Barton (centre) is maturing as a player Photo: AFP
By Rob Stewart 1:51PM GMT 14 Mar 2011
Pardew believes the 28 year-old has what it takes to prosper in top-flight football for years to come at a time when talks over a new deal at St James’ Park have stalled.
“I’ve had a great relationship here with Joey. He’s got four or five years, maybe six, still left at the very top and if he stays in the space he’s in now, he will have a successful period,” Pardew said.
“I think I understand him and, in my own way, I’ve tried to assist him and in the process he’s delivering. Make no doubt about it; he’s had help from Sporting Chance and his mentors, as well as Chris Hughton and me.
“But it’s all about Joey - and he has to be able to see it through. He doesn’t drink alcohol now and that is a wise decision given the character that he is, and you have to pay credit to him for that.”
Telegraph Sport understands that contract talks have reached an impasse because Newcastle are only willing to offer Barton a two-year extension to his current deal that runs out at the end of next season.
Negotiations have been put on hold until this summer but Pardew has hinted that he would like Barton to stay put, with the player having agreed a pay-cut at Newcastle.
Pardew is hoping Barton will have recovered from a thigh injury in time for his side’s visit to Stoke on Saturday.
“Joey is not a normal footballer, he is quite eccentric. His eccentricity extends to his game too and he does things on a football pitch that are eccentric at times,” Pardew said.
“That’s what makes him the player that he is. He has been consistent on the pitch because he’s been consistent off it with his behaviour and Joey’s behaviour is a reflection of where he is at.
“He carries his heart on his sleeve a little bit still and there have been games we’ve played when I can see he’s been upset.
“When he’s upset it can affect him. At Fulham he was upset about something - and I won’t go into reasons why - and he didn’t play well.
“Nobody understands it better than himself, and no one has worked harder at it than him.
“You have to pay him full tribute for that. From where he was not that long ago it is a tremendous feat."
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