Big Sam - Please help Barton

Midfielder's life will be in danger claims ex-manager

By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 5th July 2008

Big Sam - Please help Barton

Allardyce: Backing Barton

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Former Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce has appealed to the club not to sack Joey Barton, despite his two recent convictions.

Allardyce was the manager who brought Barton to St James' Park from Manchester City a year ago, and fears the midfielder could spiral into severe depression and even contemplate suicide if he is kicked out of the game.

Barton, 25, last week was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for assaulting former City team-mate Ousmane Dabo during a training ground incident.

He is also already serving a jail term for punching a man in Liverpool. But despite this conviction, Allardyce, sacked by Newcastle in January, took a chance on the one-time England international by shelling out £5.8million on him last summer.

Repercussions

In his column for Middle East newspaper, The National, Allardyce has also defended his decision to sign Barton and warned there could be long-term repercussions if the midfielder is axed now.

"If Newcastle sack him, then it will be another punishment and defeat the objective of Joey trying to put things right and become a better person," he said.

"It could also be dangerous to take away football from him. He is a complete football man. His life revolves around it, there's nothing else.

"Without it he could re-offend and, even worse, go into a depression.

"We've had people in the past committing suicide because they could not cope with life after professional football. Dave Clement, who was with me at Bolton, was one at 34 and it's very sad when something like that happens.

"If Newcastle keep Joey, this is the last chance for him."

Re-offending

Allardyce added: "When I signed Joey I knew about his troubles. I had asked about him and I asked him directly.

"He told me he was working on his problems, like alcohol, and getting expert help at the Sporting Chance clinic.

"There is no question he has ability, but that won't make any difference if he cannot control himself off the pitch.

"He has to gain everyone's trust again - not only as a footballer, but also as a person."

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