Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Barton in last-chance saloon

23 Oct 2008 - 07:46:59

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Controversial Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has admitted he is in the last-chance saloon ahead of his return to action.

The 26-year-old is now available for first-team action after serving a six-game ban following his training ground assault on former team-mate Ousmane Dabo at Manchester City in 2007.

Barton could feature against Sunderland in Saturday's local derby and, after serving 74 days in jail for a separate assault and affray earlier this year, is aware that his return will not be a popular one.

"It's last-chance saloon and I'm just thankful to have that chance," he said after making a reserve team appearance earlier in the week.

"I'm trying to do right and get my football career and life back on track.

"The last 18 months have been hell. I got out of jail, got back to St James' Park, was booed by the fans and wasn't playing particularly well.

"I somehow felt the strength to come through it and start putting in some performances. But you don't just come out of prison and see the light. It's a work in progress.

"The main thing for me is staying sober. I feel so good about the future. If I could go back and change things I would but I can't.

"All I can do is do what it's in the future and try to help or soothe or repay my debts for what I've done wrong."