Source: Northern_Echo
Pardew confident he can keep Barton and Carroll out of trouble
ALAN Pardew is confident he will keep Joey Barton and Andy Carroll on the straight and narrow during his time as Newcastle United boss.[LNB] The controversial duo are two of the Magpies' most influential players, but their onfield performances have occasionally been eclipsed by their transgressions off the pitch.[LNB] Barton was sentenced to six months' imprisonment after being convicted of common assault and affray in 2008, while Carroll was fined £1,000 after pleading guilty to common assault earlier this year.[LNB] Pardew has held one-onone discussions with both players this week, and despite their colourful past, is confident he will be able to rein in the excesses of their character.[LNB] Can I keep them on the straight and narrow I hope so, said the Newcastle boss.[LNB] But it isn't going to come from me, it's going to come from within.[LNB] I'm going to set the example, and Joey and Andy need to understand that's what we want to see from them. Those little disciplines are important.[LNB] They play the game with a pace and passion, and at a level that sometimes tips them over the edge.[LNB] You have to be honest with them, and at certain times say, It's wrong and I don't want to see that'. It's a drip feed effect on the training ground, and that's what I'll be doing.[LNB] If Pardew was in any doubt as to Barton's ability to court controversy, it will have been dispelled by Saturday's 3-1 win over Liverpool.[LNB] The midfielder was accused of making obscene gestures to Fernando Torres, and while the FA chose not to charge him with a formal offence, the governing body confirmed they would be writing to remind him of his responsibilities.[LNB] I've only been here a week, but Joey's attitude and everything about him so far has been excellent, said Pardew.[LNB] Everything about him so far has been spot on, and he was probably one of the best players on Saturday.[LNB] Carroll was equally influential against Liverpool, and as he prepares to name his side for this afternoon's game at Birmingham, Pardew has urged the striker to follow the lead provided by Newcastle's senior players.[LNB] Andy's a terrific lad, he said. He's a level-headed lad with a big future.[LNB] But at times, it'll be a case of him making mistakes, admitting to them and learning from them.[LNB] He seems to have done that over the first half of the season, and the example for everybody here is the attitude of the senior players.[LNB] If I can get that among all of them, we will have a good chance of having a good season.[LNB] Pardew is expected to name Tim Krul in goal today, despite the presence of a fitagain Steve Harper, and is poised to name Fabricio Coloccini at centre-half ahead of Sol Campbell.[LNB]
