Creative midfielder Joey Barton is hoping to make his comeback against Everton in the game after next – so he’s not too far away from playing in the first team again – which has to be some good news for us – for a change – on the injury front.
The 25-year-old will begin full contact training at Newcastle’s Benton training ground next week and it looks like after that it’s just Joey needing some match practice before he’s available again for selection.
Joey Barton – begins full training next Monday
Of course Joey’s metatarsal injury has taken a lot longer than the normal 6 weeks of recovery time. He injured it at Carlisle on July 21st which is a full 10 weeks ago this Saturday. So it’s going to be around double the normal recovery time once Joey is back.
Here’s what Joey told the Newcastle Journal today:
“When I finally get back is the million dollar question for me,†“I’ve not been training with the boys because I can’t do contact stuff, that should happen next week but I hope to be involved in the Everton game.†“That’s the target at the moment and it’s obviously an exciting one for me. That has given me an aim and I’m pushing to be involved in the squad for that one.â€
“I’ve been trying to get involved as much I can and I travel to a lot of the away games, but it’s difficult not being on the pitch,†“I do as much as I can in the dressing room, but I’m desperate to get back.â€
“The medical staff are slowly guiding me back in and hopefully it’s going to be sooner rather than later. The longest I’ve ever spent out through injury was six weeks so this has been hard to take.
“Injuries are part of the game we’re involved in, but it’s still difficult to deal with when you get one before you’ve even played a competitive game for your new club. I’m in a new environment and I wanted to put a marker down, show people what I could do, but I’ve not been able to do that so I’ve been stuck in limbo a bit.â€
We’ve certainly been impressed with Joey’s interest in attending both the first team games and the reserve team games, as he seems very determined to get fully involved at Newcastle. That has to be a good sign for supporters and management and maybe Joey is future captain material . Certainly that’s what we like to see from a captain – an interest in all playing levels at the club. But yes we know – he’s got to handle himself first – which we all know (as does Joey) that’s his number on priority right now. But his attitude is just first class – as we’ve also noticed with lots of the other players Sam has brought into Newcastle over the summer.
Joey then talked with maturity about his place in the side and he understands he will not walk straight back into the team, and that it may take him a little while to force himself back in. Don’t you just love this attitude given the history of some of our spoiled previous players?
Joey went on:
“However, I’ll bounce back strongly. Everything happens for a reason and I’ve had the chance to look at different aspects of my game and work out how I’m going to fit into this Newcastle team.†“I’ll enjoy it even more when I’m playing, of course, and hopefully I can get back into the side. I think if you take the Derby game out of the equation it’s been a great start to the season in the league. “
“Even when I’m fit again I might have to wait for my chance to get into the midfield because the players in those positions have been playing well and I’m not going to assume anything.†“I joined this club because I thought I could be successful and win trophies, I don’t see any reason why that view should change from what I’ve seen so far this season.â€
“There is obviously a lot of work to be done, but we are starting to get a strong squad with competition for places. That is the way to be successful, as Arsenal showed in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night.â€
Well this is the second interview from Joey in as many days and we certainly like what we’ve heard. If Joey can curb his anger tendencies and show the form he displayed during pre-season then Barton is going to be one of Sam’s many bargains over the years at Newcastle. He’s come to win things at Newcastle – like Sam and the other new players – and we’re sure that mission will be accomplished sooner rather than later, despite disappointments we are bound to have on the way.
With players having the attitude and skill of Joey at the club – we believe success can be assured.
Comments always appreciated.
13 comments so far
Steve K
Sep 27, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Comment #1Realistically Joey’s name should be one of the first on the team sheet when he’s fit. Our midfield is crying out for his energy and ingenuity after all of Milner, Butt, Geremi and especially (not to mention especially worryingly) Smith, who has been nothing short of wretched in a Newcastle shirt.
Lamesley Mag
Sep 27, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Comment #2Sooner Barton is back the better as he’s a good player that will provide creativity that’s been missing so far this season. He’s a box to box type player that will provide support to defense and attack.
Hoping Emre came through Arsenal game ok and makes the squad for Saturday’s game as he’ll be needed to break down a resolute Man City defense!
ToonKing
Sep 27, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Comment #3Yeah i’m looking forward too to seing Emre in the team agaisnt City.
In the near future our center midfield should be Emre and Barton, Geremi and Butt on the bench and Smith up front if Viduka is unavailable.
Luke
Sep 27, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Comment #4Smith wretched? I’m appalled at my club’s fans’ perpetual love affair with negativity. What is wrong with the toon? I read earlier a newsite moaning about allardyce making excuses. We’ve had the best start to season in years for christ sake. We moan about smith giving his all and maybe not quite hitting the money, and then read of luque only coming to newcastle to make it! Take your pick.
I don’t mean to isolate you in this matter steve k, but the negativity in such positive, promising times is really fatiguing.
Steve K
Sep 27, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Comment #5Luke, I’m very positive about Newcastle’s start to the season, very satisfied with it. I’m also very patient about our progress and delighted with Big Sam in general. But every criticism does not denote negativity.
I have massive reservations about Smith’s role in the side. I think he’s a handy striker but both for Manchester United and now Newcastle he has been very, very poor in his midfield roles. He it totally unsuited to the wide role, his tackling is wreck less, his passing usually wayward. His energy is commendable but it doesn’t contribute that much to the side.
I thought Smith was a poor signing and his performances really have been wretched for Newcastle. Newcastle supporters should support, but we’re not care bares, we can criticise.
hadrian
Sep 27, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Comment #6looking forward to having the lad in the squad again , id like him to take up a gerrard esc role if he can do it , dictate tempo in the midfield aswell as some cracking long rangers
Punk Skunk
Sep 27, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Comment #7Here, here, Luke!..
…It is well boring to see words like ‘wretched’ banided about so flipantly!..
…& ‘so-called’ fan-sites slagging off the coach for saying it’s an excuse to say: “we only played on sunday & their lot didn’t even play at all!”..Well it is actually true also!..Hey Steve K, am not gettin’ at ya’ bro’, i’m pretty much with on the Smith front, not sure why we bought him, but he ain’t wretched, is he?..I really feel that we’ve gotta be able to handle someone in the team havin’ the odd bad game, without it bein’ the end of the world, or their NUFC career!..Wha’d’y’reckon?..
…Howay the Lads!..
Toon Chicken
Sep 27, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Comment #8Steve K. I’m not having a go neither, but you obviously weren’t at the Emirates on Tuesday night. Smith was everywhere, he worked tirelessly and he didn’t get booked!
I too think his best position is in a more attacking role, but I think he’s been far from wretched so far this season.
Alex
Sep 27, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Comment #9I agree with Luke .Big sams comments were true we did have less time between games.a fact and not an excuse.Smith is a beter striker than he is a midfielder but you could hardly call his contribution so far as wretched.He has shown a lot of bottle and hard work ,something that a certain Mr Dyer never showed.This is our best start in years and at times we should look more at the positives than the negatives.After all Sam has got us moving in the right direction.
Willowtoon
Sep 27, 2007 at 1:10 PM
Comment #10We are all passionate fans. Beat WHU win the league. Lose to Arsenal 2nd team (Still Brill) and we will never win anything.
We do lack creativity in Midfield. When Barton is back I believe Alan Smith will be playing mainly as a striker.
While I agree he is not the worlds best player he certainly gives his all in any position and thats why Ferguson first bought him and now Sam.
Remember this team is the team to take us into Europe. Then Sam and Mort will invest in better players who we can attract due to Europe football.
Money is now not an issue as the club is well run. My Shepherd!!!!!! took money out in dividants and fat salarys whether the club could afford it or not. Ashley will not do that as he doen’t need the money.
We will end up with a dynasty like Arsenal or Man Utd where the team keeps improving.
For now I am very happy we are fifth with a game in hand and a positive future.
John
Sep 27, 2007 at 1:17 PM
Comment #11Luke I agree also…I do rate smith as hes someone that we have’nt had in a while..Someone willing to put there body on the line for the team..We so needed players with hes attitude and we now have a whole team of them thanks to big sam..
Come on the toon
Steve K
Sep 27, 2007 at 2:55 PM
Comment #12Toon Chicken, I didn’t see him against Arsenal admittedly. Maybe he’ll grow into the role.
But for the record I think he is, and will be, pants for Newcastle.
ToonPipes
Sep 27, 2007 at 5:00 PM
Comment #13Quite an appropriate title to this discussion!! ….. On the Smith debate .. i was also a little sceptical, but then he does fit with typical BSA player. Big, Strong, Gives his all, doesnt give up and versatile…. PLUS he is an English international and has played out his career in the EPL – without wishing to sound like an A rse .. you have to be a pretty good player to represent England on several ocassions and for Alex Feguson to buy you too .. He is more striker than midfielder and i blv that is where he will play, replacing Ameobi when everyone else is fit ……………………. Other point to consider is that there are not many teams where every player is like Gazza .. you need some workers to let the stars shine ….. blv its part of the problem with Gerrard and Lampard playing for England, they both are the central figure for their club teams – when one isnt there for England, you get more out of them pared with Hargreaves or Barry .. Smith might not be a ‘Ronaldinho’, but he VERY good support for them and his other qualities are basis for winning teams …….. in the end, no suprise BSA bought him, AND he will do a good job for us ..