Several of the tabloids are reporting that Warren Barton has refused a new contract. He can leave on a free at the end of the season. I wonder whether he is sick of the stick, whether he wants a bash with another club, maybe in the lower divisions, or whether he is planning to go into coaching next season. Of course, it may be just a negotiating thing.

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2001

Answers

A Partin of the ways?

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2001

Thanks & goodbye Wozza.

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2001

Can't honestly see him being more than a squad player next season. He really should be more of a squad player this season if Griffin can stay fit long enough. So if he wants consistent first team football, he'll have to go elsewhere. Though I hope he's going into a full time coaching role. Preferably with us.

Probably 2+2=5 here, but there was a mention in icDeadPeople yesterday that YBR isn't looking to replace MW right now. I wonder if he's already planning for Barton to step into a coaching role? Perhaps working alongside John Carver for the training and leaving Bobby to handle the management end of things.

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2001

Actually, who was it (presumably someone on here) said that they had it on good (ie. club) authority that YBR really rates Griffin but thinks he'll never be fit enough for a full season..

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2001

I wander if the Ronnie will have a full page on English Soccer Mercineries on the back of this or is Wazza the wrong colour and Nationality to face such an attack.

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2001

I've read somewhere that WB is unhappy at only being offered a one- year contract and has turned it down.

It was me Dougal who had picked up the story about Griffen. In fact, I've just reposted it on the "Lee Clark..." thread. The inside word is that Bobby rates Griffen very highly, but is not satisfied with his fitness level - I believe this means his general fitness level rather than his propensity for injury.

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2001

Quite naturally, WB wants to hold out for a longer contract to take him up to 33 or 34. (Sherringham left Heath for similar reasons I believe). During this period he will undoubtedly become less of a fixture in the first team so this is a tough one for the Toon to call. But if WB holds out then I would not have thought that at this stage in his career he is a very marketable commodity and whether anyone else would offer him 2 years is a moot point, certainly not at his current wages I expect, as he would probably have to go down a division to get a 2 year contract.

No-one at the club appears to be assessing Barton as a potential member of the coaching staff which is a pity IMHO. If he won't sign then we either choose to play out his contract or try and get a £1m or so for his services before New Year. What other cover, apart from Griff do we have in this position?

I suspect Barton wants to stay here so if the Toon sticks to it's guns then WB may still re-sign. I think the Toon has the upper hand in these negotiations so it's good to see that we're no pushovers.

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2001

Coaching jobs are an entirely different matter to playing contracts. Just because the Club are not (as yet) prepared to offer WB a 2 year contract doesn't mean they would not/are not considering him for a coaching position when he finishes playing.

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2001

WOO HOO!! that's brightened my monday morning up no end!! roll on next season....

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2001

It's interesting what self perception people have. Barton clearly thinks he is worth a two year deal, anyone else think that ? What about 3, then he'd be getting a testimonial at the end of it.

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2001

But a 3 year contract now would only take him to nine years....oh, I see what you mean ;-)

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2001

To be honest, any 32 yr-old player should not expect to get more than a 1 yr deal. There may of course also be wage implications in the offer he has been given that we aren't aware of.

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2001