Source: Northern_Echo
Barton expresses St James’ concerns
Joey Barton has admitted he "does not know" whether to believe the Newcastle United hierarchy's assurances about the extent of the club's ambition.[LNB] Barton is due to enter the final 12 months of his current Magpies deal this summer, with West Ham and Tottenham already understood to have expressed an interest in securing his services.[LNB] Newcastle officials have held a number of talks with the midfielder and his representative, and tabled an offer of a new contract at the turn of the year.[LNB] However, discussions broke down in early February, and while managing director Derek Llambias has subsequently reaffirmed owner Mike Ashley's desire to reclaim Newcastle's place amongst the European elite, Barton admits he does not know whether to take the board's comments with a pinch of salt.[LNB] "It's important to respect the people who come to the stadium or watch the games on telly," said Barton. "That's what I told (the Newcastle management). I told them the goal shouldn't be just to survive, to finish 16th or 17th every season.[LNB] "We had a good player, (Andy) Carroll, and we sold him. I told the management that I was worried, that I was scared this might happen every year. But they assured me they don't want to go down that road.[LNB] "I don't know if I believe them. I told them I might stay this summer because we have some good players and money to spend. But I'm going to wait and see if players like Kevin Nolan, Cheik Tiote and Jose Enrique stay.[LNB] "If Nolan signs a new deal, I will as well. But I hope the club step things up. I want to be ambitious and I think the club share that desire."[LNB] Barton has proved a divisive figure ever since he arrived at St James' Park in June 2007, but even his most ardent critics would struggle to find fault with the quality of his performances this season.[LNB] The 28-year-old has regularly been the most impressive component of the Newcastle midfield, with his crosses from the right flank creating a succession of goals for both Carroll and Nolan.[LNB] Yet his form has failed to earn him a call-up to the England squad, something that is clearly a source of festering discontent.[LNB] Barton, whose one and only senior cap came in 2007, has previously aimed a number of critical comments at established members of the international set up.[LNB] However, his most recent barbs are arguably his most hard-hitting yet.[LNB] "Honestly, I think I'm the best (English midfielder)," said Barton, in an interview with French magazine So Foot. "Luka Modric and Samir Nasri are very good, but in terms of English players... well, Jack Wilshere isn't bad, but Frank Lampard's on the way down and Steven Gerrard's been injured a lot.[LNB] "Did you see the game against Germany at the World Cup If you watch the fourth goal, when (Mesut) Ozil was up against (Gareth) Barry, it was like the hare and the tortoise.[LNB] "Barry's got a very good agent. He's also discreet and always agrees with the manager. He's like the guy who sits in the front row and listens to the teacher. I certainly don't lose any sleep when I play against him."[LNB] Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is aware of Barton's comments, but insists his criticism of Barry is an irrelevance.[LNB] "Joey Barton is a good player," said Mancini. "But Gareth Barry is a fantastic player. I can only say this. It is a situation that is not important to me."[LNB] Barton's criticisms are unlikely to have been received so moderately by England boss Fabio Capello, who is already understood to harbour reservations about the midfielder's temperament.[LNB] Nevertheless, the Liverpudlian remains hopeful that he will be offered an unlikely olive branch when Capello names his next squad for June's European Championships qualifier with Switzerland.[LNB] "I'm English and I love playing for my country," he said. "Maybe the people at the top have a problem with me, I don't know. But the trouble I had was four years ago. They should be able to forgive, shouldn't they"[LNB]
