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Barton Hoping To Resume Training Next Week
By Tyne-Talk July 1 2008
Despite awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to assaulting former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo last year, Joey Barton is confident he will be back training with current club Newcastle United come next week when his current prison sentence is complete.
The 25 year old who is serving 6 months for assault and affray after an incident in Liverpool in late December is said to have previously been offered an ultimatum by the club either to accept a pay cut or to leave.

Barton's future has been hanging in the balance since his 1st trial of 2008 when he was found guilty and was imprisoned on 30th May, since then the club have made no informative official statements regarding the matter.

Barton's agent Willie McKay gave the following statement today to The Evening Chronicle as his client awaits sentencing:

"We can't really say too much until Joey is released, but we'll be sitting down and talking about his future,

He will be aiming to be back for pre-season training next week. But again we'll see what happens.

Joey had a great end to the season and has kept himself in great shape.

In fact, he is in the best shape I have ever seen him in and I think he will be fitter than anybody else."

It was widely rumoured that Barton would have been sacked from the club if found guilty during this trial but there is mounting speculation that he will receive a suspended sentence after pleading guilty yesterday prior to his 3rd criminal trial of 2008 taking place.

Other sources suggest that Newcastle will NOT be sacking their shamed midfielder and that despite pledging to change his ways and failing to do so, Barton will remain at the club.

Date

Incident

April 2004

Angrily left a match before KO due to not featuring in the side.

2005

Sparked mass brawl in pre-season friendly.

May 2005

Broke a pedestrian's leg at 2am after running him over.

December 2005

Stubbed cigarette out team-mate Jamie Tandy's eye at the Christmas Party. Fined 6 week wages

June 2005

Spat at 15 year old Everton fan in Bangkok. Fined by club

2006

Dropped his shorts at Everton fans during a match. Fined and warned by FA.

March 2007

Arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a taxi.

May 2007

Incident of alleged assault of team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

December 2007

Caught on CCTV assaulting a male repeatedly outside a McDonalds in Liverpool

May 2008

Admitted assault and affray for assaulting male in Liverpool. Sentenced to 6 months in prison.

May 2008

Found not guilty in court over Taxi incident from March 2007.

June/July 2008

Pleads guilty to assault on former team-mate Ousmane Dabo and awaits sentencing.


The question is, is this the right way forward, should Newcastle United maintain their current contract with Joey Barton or should they sell him?

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