Pardew Backs Ashley (Well He Has To Doesn't He)

Joey Barton is still fuming at the way the 'Fat Muppet' kicked him out of St James' Park . and he has voiced an opinion. An opinion not shared by Alan Pardew, but until the former West Ham manager gets shit on from a great height and told to pack his bags (which will happen one day) . he will give Toot & Ploot (Ashley and Llambias) his full backing. Pardew, being in the position of manager, would rather keep quiet. He does things in a different manner - he bites the bullet. When Ashley told the world last January "all the £35m we got for Andy Carroll will be given to the manager to spend on players", Pardew was obviously cock-a-hoop. But when the transfer window brought us an even accounts balance - the price of the players sold financed the players coming in - there was still the £35m to spend. Then Derek Llambias said the money had "gone on other things". Pardew wouldn't comment - he avoided the press for two weeks - obviously giving himself time to calm down. The Toon boss refused to be drawn into the ongoing war of words between midfielder Joey Barton and Ashley after Barton's latest outburst prompted managing director Derek Llambias to call in the lawyers. Alan Pardew: "I keep asking myself why? Why does he keep cropping up? "The team is doing exceptionally well but unfortunately Joey's comments take away the positive nature of what we are doing here in terms of the players' performances, which have been absolutely brilliant. "Anybody who takes that limelight away from my players, I'm not particularly keen on, if I'm honest. "It is a bit frustrating, but you have got to put in into the perspective of the week we are having, and it means nothing, really."    

Source: FOOTYMAD