Joey Barton had a mixed spell at Newcastle United.
Rangers’ Joey Barton in action with Burnley’s Dean Marney
Joey Barton’s autobiography is set to hit the shops this week, which means the midfielder is promoting it with a series of interviews.
One of the figurative chapters of his career is his spell at Newcastle United, who he signed for in 2007.
It was while under contract to Newcastle that he was jailed for an assault, spending 77 days in prison.
Speaking to The Mail, Barton thanked Newcastle owner Mike Ashley for his support, but also revealing how he was not overly generous.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley (R) in the stands with Managing Director Lee Charnley
After his release from prison, Barton had to stay at a rehab clinic and was due to be back by a certain curfew time.
To get there and back, Mike Ashley laid on a daily helicopter to take him to and from training – which he later discovered was it his cost.
Barton said: “It seemed a generous gesture until I received an eye-boggling invoice.”
Former Newcastle manager Alan Shearer (R) and assistant manager Iain Dowie
The Rangers midfielder also spoke of a row he had with Newcastle boss Alan Shearer and his assistant Iain Dowie, during their brief spell in charge.
Barton tells that he called Dowie, ‘boxing glove head’, an insult he says he is proud of. He said: “It was one of my better put-downs.”
The midfielder has had his calmer moment through his career, but is currently serving a three week suspension, after a training ground row with Gers boss Mark Warburton.
Burnley’s Joey Barton talks to Alastair Campbell
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