Llambias Jibe At Barton?

Managing director Derek Llambias wouldn't have the balls to make a direct parting shot at Joey Barton as he left Newcastle ... so we expected a more subtle approach. The controversial midfielder has finally signed a four-year deal at Loftus Road, becoming the Hoops first big-name arrival since Tony Fernandes took over as chairman last week. But the Toon board, with whom the 28-year-old had a fractious relationship, praised his play but pointedly suggesting his off-field antics were more problems than they were worth. Managing director Llambias said on the club’s website: "On behalf of everyone at Newcastle United we wish to thank Joey for his on-field contributions to the team. "We wish him every success for his future at Queens Park Rangers." Or perhaps we are reading too much into it.