Joey Barton has extra motivation ahead of Newcastle's opening fixture at Manchester United.
Midfielder seeks Old Trafford win to end moustache pact
Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has extra motivation ahead of the opening Premier League fixture at Manchester United.
The former Manchester City player has promised to continue growing a moustache until the Magpies register their first win of the season upon their return to the top flight.
The pact shows Barton has a sense of humour but he is keen to remove his facial hair as soon as possible, although a trip to last season's title runners-up may refuse the 27-year-old a shave for a further week.
Barton revealed: "It started out with about eight of us getting together and we were saying to each other, 'you couldn't grow a beard'. One thing led to another and before I knew it, I'd agreed to grow a moustache.
"It could be here for a while longer if we don't get off to a good start - but hopefully it'll be gone soon. It's got a bit of flak and a few people have said it's ridiculous.
"It's just a bit of banter and the lads are buzzing off it. There's always banter but we're professional when we need to be and over the weekend the onus will shift towards Monday night's game and how we approach that.
"You won't see as much laughing and joking - but we'll still be just as together."
After their Old Trafford opener, Newcastle continue their Premier League campaign at home to Aston Villa before a trip to Wolves, followed by the visit of Blackpool to St James' Park.
