Club seeks meeting with disgraced player

5:05am Wednesday 2nd July 2008

NEWCASTLE United officials will meet Joey Barton at the "earliest possible opportunity" after the jailed footballer was yesterday handed a four-month suspended sentence for assault.

Barton could be released from his current six-month sentence, for an unrelated case, within three days.

When he is, the 25-year-old and his agent, Willie McKay, are expected to head for talks at St James' Park.

It is understood that manager Kevin Keegan, who has supported the player through his latest troubles, and the club's new managing director, Derek Llambias, will also attend.

It will only be then when the one-time England international will learn if he has a future on Tyneside, where club chiefs are being urged to come down hard on the troubled midfielder, who is reputed to be on £60,000 a week.

The statement read: "The club now intends to hold discussions with Joey and his representatives at the earliest possible opportunity."

Barton is in prison in Liverpool following a separate assault and affray incident in the city centre in December.

On Monday, he admitted attacking Ousmane Dabo, his former Manchester City team-mate, at a training ground, for which he was given the four-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

The judge said: "As a professional footballer, you want to be setting an example, particularly to those who idolise you, particularly youngsters who look up to you."

Club sources have dismissed claims that Barton has already been sacked, and it is understood he could be given a final warning.

If Barton is released this week, he could join the Newcastle squad for the first day of pre-season training on Monday, when he will wear an electronic tag. Mr McKay said: "He will be aiming to be back for pre-season training next week, but again we will see what happens."

Club owner Mike Ashley is know to be annoyed by the aggravation caused by Barton's actions, and he could still try to sell the player before the August 31 transfer deadline.

In mitigation, Jim Sturman QC said Barton had struck out at Dabo in self-defence, but had gone too far.

However, he said Barton had now improved his behaviour greatly.

Editor's Choice