Joey Barton was Newcastle's undoubted player-of-the-season last year. The pinpoint accuracy of his crosses ensured Andy Carroll scored bags of goals in the first half of the season, and ultimately led to Newcastle's securing an outrageous £35 million for the big lad. Not subject to the chance of the roulette-wheel, Barton's crosses made the ball land on the number nine every time.
Perhaps it is for this reason that roulette-loving Newcastle owner, Mike Ashley, has decided that Barton is no longer welcome at the club. The troubled midfielder is being offered to clubs on a free transfer, and was today told to train alone. Though at 29, Barton is bust by the terms of blackjack, he is by no means bust on the pitch. He remains one of the liveliest midfielders in the game and, having displayed real signs of maturing on and off the pitch, Barton is playing the best football of his life. Manchester United are said to be interested him. Arsenal could do with him, too. Where do you think he will end up?