Burnley Should Welcome Joey Barton Back
After his contract was terminated by Rangers following a training ground spat, Joey Barton is now a free agent, able to train immediately and play for a new club on January 1st. Burnley should bring him back as a squad player.
Barton was a shock signing last year. When we were linked with him I immediately thought it was lazy paper talk. Barton’s off-field antics, along with his huge wage (not just by Burnley standards) was plenty enough to make me think there was nothing in this. However there was, he signed, we won the league and he earned the Supporters Player of the Season for his efforts.
I was very disappointed when he chose to leave the club after one season and join Rangers. I felt he could offer us a lot in the Premier League, considering his vital contributions in the championship - I think we would not have won the title without him.
I can accept his decision though. As much as i think the SPL is a poor league with low quality football (I have seen plenty of games to confirm this), Rangers are undoubtedly a bigger club than Burnley, Premier League or not. Secondly, Rangers would offer Barton a new challenge in a new environment. He has been and done a relegation dog fight for QPR in the PL, and spent most of his career in that league, why not try something new north of the border? Finally, it appears he was keen to settle down with his children and settling for 2 years in Glasgow offered him more long term financial security and a physical base to settle his family. He left with my (and many other Clarets’) thanks and blessing.
The situation has changed. Barton is available on a free transfer and we are short of cover in the centre of the park - We will need to buy a Central Midfielder in January without doubt in my opinion.
Barton would be my 4th choice central midfielder, but offers a significant upgrade on Aidan O’Neill who would be freed up to join a Championship side on loan for 6 months.
Barton would need to be told firmly that he was not the star man, and would have to be content with occasional sub appearances and being a leader in the dressing room - something i felt he would have been last season.
In terms of fitness, there are no issues. Barton took a while to get to fitness last time, but considering he could train with us from tomorrow, and he may have a suspension passed down form the Scottish FA, i don’t think fitness is a concern.
If Barton would rather play regularly for another side (he’s been linked with Derby County and Rotherham) then that’s fine, we aren’t desperate to sign him, but it would be a good fit for us at a good time and potentially free up funds to look elsewhere.
For me it’s a no brainer, we should bring him and and make him the offer.