Teamtalk are reporting that the press in London are saying Barton is a possibility for a player coaching role at Cystal Palace.

The source is dubious to say the least but this may be an ideal move for Barton, because if all things are equal he shouldn't be getting too many games for us next year. If he does he's either made a miraculous transformation or Robson has got no money and has finally gone mad!

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

Answers

Are they that desperate for news? Or is there anything to this one? It would seem a better idea for him to move into an apprentice coaching role of some kind with us next season(perhaps with MW going to Palace...or other backroom deadweight?). Be interesting to see what, if anything, comes of this rumour.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

As much as I admire Barton for his effort and professionalism, I think his days must be numbered. But I'd far rather he learned the coaching ropes elsewhere - perhaps with the Mackems. After all, his big "hoff it up the middle" would be ideally suited to their game.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

Screach - I seem to recall TSM being an inspired footballer with loads of technique. Ruud Gullit wasn't bad either as I recall. Since when has there been a corollation between skill as a footballer and skill as a manager? Houllier and Wenger were both eighth rate twockers. I'd prefer to see Barton in charge of the first team rather than Alan Shearer or Rob Lee.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

Sorry Dougal. Did I infewr that one of our top class players should be our next manager? The world is full of top class players who have failed as managers and second clas players who have made it as managers. The names Charlton and Robson come to mind.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

Cystal Palace? Sounds like a case for Dr Bill if you ask me.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

Hey Screach, both Charlton & Robson were England internationals, IMHO, surely that (used to?) means they were top class players, cf. journeymen?

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

....... so is Barton (4 caps, allegedly). Does that also make him top-class? I think not.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

Oh please please please let this be true!

It would make my season!

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2001

this could be the best news all season!

please, please be true!!!

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2001

If you are doubting the worth of Jackie Charlton as a player you are very young !!! He won 35 caps, a World Cup winners medal in 1966, (yes I know the apostrophe did for France) was footballer of the year in 1967. Won various medals with Leeds, and I guess was a 1960s Tony Adams.

Bobby Robson got 20 caps, which isn't negligible.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2001

'this could be the best news all season!'
After getting shot of marcie for 5 mill.

(Nee chance)

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2001