Laudrup1984 25,100 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Barely been on today and couldn't see this posted. If it has please delete. Think it's a part 1 of 2 with the 2nd part coming tonight/tomorrow. GIVEN his taste in music perhaps it should have come as no surprise. Yes, Joey Barton may well blush at his own history of bad behaviour but yesterday, this charming man met the media upon his unveiling as a Rangers player and spoke with all the candour and sincerity of a man determined to escape once and for all from the shadow of his own darkest demons. The Smith’s fan refers to his long list of high-profile misdemeanours as his ‘rap sheet’. He accepts too that the reputation he created for himself as part midfielder, part monster will follow him across the border to his new home. But this, he says, is just the latest leg of his own personal journey from self confessed Neanderthal to budding politician and student of philosophy. This rebranding of Joey Barton cannot been carried out overnight. And yet here he was yesterday , the epitome of charm, as he carried out his meet and greet duties in disarming style, with his angelic toddler son Cassius already kitted out in a replica shirt with his name emblazoned across the back. Soon it will be his dad’s turn to pull on a Rangers shirt and, the moment he does, he might as well have a target painted over his No.8. Before he had put pen to paper on his two year contract yesterday one bookie was already making him odds on to be sent off in his first Glasgow derby. Barton shrugs and says: “I never got suspended last year, which everyone glosses over. I was in the PFA team of the year, the Football League team of the year, I was Burnley’s Player of the Year, won the league, went 23 games undefeated - but I never got suspended and that was the biggest achievement of them all! I understand it. "I’ve got a rap sheet. I can’t get away from it. I can’t say ‘Oh, I’ve reinvented myself’. That’s not me. “The reality of it is that I behaved inappropriately at times in the past as a player. You mature and get older. “No matter what you do, people will always want to drag you back to that. I can’t waste energy on that. If I did, I would be sitting arguing with those people until I was blue in the face. I just don’t see the point. “Some people will never, ever see the roses for the thorns. I’m not comparing myself to a rose, but you know that kind of saying. “So I just ‘be’, I just do what I do. People who know me, have met me and have worked with me know who I am and what I’m about. “I can’t please everybody and I don’t try to. I believe in who I am as a person and what I’m about as a footballer. In the last few years, I’ve tried to let my football do the talking. “For a long period in my career, everything else was a sideshow that deflected from what a good player I was - and still think I am. “I’m improving, which is great for this football club and great for me.” And yet, if there are demons still lurking deep down inside, then no city in the world can bring them to the surface quite like Glasgow. Perhaps that’s part of the attraction for a this player who not only fell foul of the football authorities during his years in England but who also spent time at her majesty’s pleasure following an assault in Liverpool city centre. So exactly where are those demons today? “They’ve already been out,” he says with a rueful smile. “When you have confronted the demons at a young age, in the spotlight of the English Premier League as I have, you’ve been to jail and all the things that go with it - if you don’t know yourself coming through that process, you’re in the wrong place. “I wouldn’t be here now. The fact is I’ve come through it, battle-hardened, scarred - but ultimately stronger mentally and emotionally. “Let’s be truthful about it, football is the easiest part of your life if you are happy everywhere else. It certainly is for me. “I have a process in place where I know what I have to do to perform at my ultimate capacity at the highest level. I know it works. “There will be naysayers, because when you are someone who has a reputation like I have, that goes with the territory. “I make good copy at times with some of the stupid things I say which people take literally. I’m aware of what it is. “I’ve been on Question Time, I’ve given political opinions, I’ve been outspoken. Then you come away from that thinking ‘I just want to concentrate on football’. “I just wanted to show everyone I could do it, because all they thought I was before then was a Neanderthal who went out into the city centre, got drunk and had fights. “I did fit that stereotype for a while. Then you come out of it and show the other spectrum of your personality and character. “Where am I today? Somewhere in the middle. I’ve got a young family and enjoy spending time with them. “Ultimately, I’m a man dedicated to his profession. What better place to come than Glasgow to showcase what I believe are going to be the best years of my career. “Becoming a dad has helped, of course it has. Anyone with children will tell you that. You go from being a young footballer who is the centre of the universe, where all that matters is who you play on a Saturday and how everything affects you. “Then this little fella comes along and you suddenly realise you’re not that important. All that’s important is stuff that’s nothing to do with you kicking a bag of air around a pitch. “It gives you perspective and humbles you. If you don’t alter from that, then how are you going to alter?” Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poetry_In_Blue 1,043 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Actually a very good read. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
El-Hadji Spit RFC 733 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Yip, although I feel joey maybe talks too much at times. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
burnbank bear 342 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 he never stops talking and that's not a good thing up here but he can sound genuine at times Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
We Will Follow Rangers 12,892 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Think the players own eloquence kinda blows away any opportunity for the media to do a hatchet job on him, disarming with charm isn't exactly the Joey Barton that springs to mind, just dont mellow too much Joey, there's dirty deeds needs doing... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trooblue 1,959 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Someone needs to tell him and the rest of our players to have nothing to do with amateur 'journalists' who stick the boot into our club whenever it suits them, and steer clear of the comic rag that has a business partnership with Celtic. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazzler 2,428 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 His press conference and this interview have been very good. He had dispelled the image I had of him. Hope it continues. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottyscott1963 18,016 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Keep it going JB because the haters are going to hate you either way. Might as well give the cunts something to fuckin whine about Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
markem 7,238 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 I like the guy more and more. Lots of folk have fucked up at points in their life (who hasn't) its a much shorter list that admits to it, plus lets face it, whah has he actually done? Spoke shit and got into a few scraps? Jeez I used to call that Saturday. Over and above he speaks with great respect for our club, he has made a effort to understand the club and is embracing it. The real talking starts on the park however so far he'll do for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
giffnockger 4,840 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Canny wait for his pre/post match interviews ?? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inigo 32,524 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 The press up here are going to love him. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShaneRalfRoss 301 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 i am glad he turned his life around.he seems to settled down since he became a dad . he be brillant signing for us .he going wind up the tims like novo did . i can see it now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrizzlyBear72 261 Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 33 minutes ago, burnbank bear said: he never stops talking and that's not a good thing up here but he can sound genuine at times I say shout from the rooftops Joey, say wtf you like mate...be controversial, get in these stinking hacks faces and tell them how it is (you'll learn soon enough you need to).....shake this journalistic backwater up a bit....you're just what we need up here, at Our Club, just at the right time!!! Of course, you MUST do the business on the field...that's where your biggest battles lie!!! I'm in no doubt you will...loving your style Mr Barton!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
siddiqi_drinker 14,635 Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 Decent article in the Burnley Express Joey Barton feels that he chose the right time to walk away from the Clarets - to take on a new challenge with Rangers - following a fairytale year at Turf Moor. The 33-year-old's induction in to the PFA Championship Team of the Year in addition to the Player of the Year accolade he received was a reflection of the role the midfielder played in guiding Sean Dyche's side to the title. Joey Barton helped the Clarets do the double over rivals Blackburn Barton, who scored three times for the club, which included the vital breakthrough against Preston North End at Deepdale, was offered a new one-year deal with Burnley and admitted that it was a tough decision to snub another shot at the Premier League. “I’ve been in the Premier League before and [turning the chance down to play there next year] was a real tough decision for me," he said. “You’re turning your back on a Premier League that’s going to contain [Pep] Guardiola, [Jurgen] Klopp, [Jose] Mourinho, [Antonio] Conte - a plethora of top managers and the players that will come with that. “It wasn’t an easy decision but I just felt I had a great journey at Burnley. Everything has a beginning, middle and end and sometimes if you stay too long it ends up ruining it. The midfielder is now seeking a new challenge in Scotland with Rangers "I had a great year and it’s organically the right stage to get off. I’ve got a lot of friends beyond a professional experience and I’m onto the new challenge and what a challenge it is up at Rangers.” The former Manchester City and Newcastle United man certainly endeared himself to the supporters and his team-mates at Turf Moor with a string of committed, industrious displays. And, taking to social media, Barton showed that those feelings were reciprocated. He posted on Twitter: "Toughest decision of my professional life to leave an amazing set of people and a phenomenal culture behind. "Thanks to all the Burnley fans and everyone connected to the club. Amazing support this year that will live with me for a lifetime." Barton's goal at Preston brought the Clarets closer to promotion Barton added: "Two undefeated in the derbies, 23 in the league. Champions. Not a bad way to leave. Thanks for the memories. "Club is in a great place on and off the pitch with great custodians at the helm. Thanks again for the opportunity to represent your club. "I was presented with an opportunity and challenge the competitive animal in me just could not turn down. Onwards and upwards now. Barton put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the 54-time Scottish champions as Mark Warburton's side returned to the SPL following a four-year absence. The former England cap claimed that he wanted to test himself in a different environment and realised instantly, on his arrival in Glasgow, that Ibrox was the place to do it. “Anyone who is a football person in Britain knows the strength of this establishment and the history and tradition that goes with it – you’d have to be a fool not to know that," he said. “I was completely mindful of everything that has gone before at this club and I understood the expectation, but it’s something I see as a really great challenge. “There have been some incredibly gifted players who have done some great things for this football club, but also the opportunity is there to take the jersey on and take it to a new level. “This football club is something – as everyone has seen in recent years – far more than a football club, and there aren’t many places like this left in Britain, indeed I think you could probably count them on two hands. “The competitive animal in me recognises what a great challenge this is, what a great environment is already here, and hopefully I can come in and contribute to what has already gone on in the past and hopefully write a new chapter – and a really positive chapter – in its future." Barton claims head of recruitment Frank McParland played a key role in his move north of the border. The Liverpudlian was the man to bring Barton to East Lancashire in the summer when he had the role of sporting director with the Clarets. “The prime thing when you come to any football club is the people you are going to be working with on a daily basis. I obviously saw the job they did at Brentford before they came to Rangers, likewise Frank McParland who is someone who I have known for a long time. “He was hugely influential in getting me to Burnley last season, before he left and then came to Rangers. “We remained in contact and when I first found out there was potentially the opportunity to come here, from that moment on, my blood got pumping and I kept thinking what it could be like for me – and also what it already is." Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
montana100 335 Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 Didn't know much about him other that the gutter press bent views on him. Having read and listened to him I think we have a stateman type person who will do well for us. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moody Blue Legend 61,037 Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 Next Prime Minister!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweetheart 8,458 Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 6 hours ago, siddiqi_drinker said: Decent article in the Burnley Express Joey Barton feels that he chose the right time to walk away from the Clarets - to take on a new challenge with Rangers - following a fairytale year at Turf Moor. The 33-year-old's induction in to the PFA Championship Team of the Year in addition to the Player of the Year accolade he received was a reflection of the role the midfielder played in guiding Sean Dyche's side to the title. Joey Barton helped the Clarets do the double over rivals Blackburn Barton, who scored three times for the club, which included the vital breakthrough against Preston North End at Deepdale, was offered a new one-year deal with Burnley and admitted that it was a tough decision to snub another shot at the Premier League. “I’ve been in the Premier League before and [turning the chance down to play there next year] was a real tough decision for me," he said. “You’re turning your back on a Premier League that’s going to contain [Pep] Guardiola, [Jurgen] Klopp, [Jose] Mourinho, [Antonio] Conte - a plethora of top managers and the players that will come with that. “It wasn’t an easy decision but I just felt I had a great journey at Burnley. Everything has a beginning, middle and end and sometimes if you stay too long it ends up ruining it. The midfielder is now seeking a new challenge in Scotland with Rangers "I had a great year and it’s organically the right stage to get off. I’ve got a lot of friends beyond a professional experience and I’m onto the new challenge and what a challenge it is up at Rangers.” The former Manchester City and Newcastle United man certainly endeared himself to the supporters and his team-mates at Turf Moor with a string of committed, industrious displays. And, taking to social media, Barton showed that those feelings were reciprocated. He posted on Twitter: "Toughest decision of my professional life to leave an amazing set of people and a phenomenal culture behind. "Thanks to all the Burnley fans and everyone connected to the club. Amazing support this year that will live with me for a lifetime." Barton's goal at Preston brought the Clarets closer to promotion Barton added: "Two undefeated in the derbies, 23 in the league. Champions. Not a bad way to leave. Thanks for the memories. "Club is in a great place on and off the pitch with great custodians at the helm. Thanks again for the opportunity to represent your club. "I was presented with an opportunity and challenge the competitive animal in me just could not turn down. Onwards and upwards now. Barton put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the 54-time Scottish champions as Mark Warburton's side returned to the SPL following a four-year absence. The former England cap claimed that he wanted to test himself in a different environment and realised instantly, on his arrival in Glasgow, that Ibrox was the place to do it. “Anyone who is a football person in Britain knows the strength of this establishment and the history and tradition that goes with it – you’d have to be a fool not to know that," he said. “I was completely mindful of everything that has gone before at this club and I understood the expectation, but it’s something I see as a really great challenge. “There have been some incredibly gifted players who have done some great things for this football club, but also the opportunity is there to take the jersey on and take it to a new level. “This football club is something – as everyone has seen in recent years – far more than a football club, and there aren’t many places like this left in Britain, indeed I think you could probably count them on two hands. “The competitive animal in me recognises what a great challenge this is, what a great environment is already here, and hopefully I can come in and contribute to what has already gone on in the past and hopefully write a new chapter – and a really positive chapter – in its future." Barton claims head of recruitment Frank McParland played a key role in his move north of the border. The Liverpudlian was the man to bring Barton to East Lancashire in the summer when he had the role of sporting director with the Clarets. “The prime thing when you come to any football club is the people you are going to be working with on a daily basis. I obviously saw the job they did at Brentford before they came to Rangers, likewise Frank McParland who is someone who I have known for a long time. “He was hugely influential in getting me to Burnley last season, before he left and then came to Rangers. “We remained in contact and when I first found out there was potentially the opportunity to come here, from that moment on, my blood got pumping and I kept thinking what it could be like for me – and also what it already is." Yep, I think Joey is clued up on how the Scottish press work Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottyscott1963 18,016 Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 Just hope he is strong enough for the downright nasty spiteful shite heading his way and only stored for Rangers and all connected with them. Stay strong and you will get through your 2 years. Blink for a second and they will be all over you JB. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straight-Edge-Loyal 6,651 Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 I just can't wait until next season with all our new players in place and a pre season behind them and led by Mr Wallace on the pitch and Mr Warburton on it we take back what's ours. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stocksy 29 Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH7DpkESPUQ Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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