Will Joey Barton become a Notts County player?

Last updated : 13 April 2018 By Magpie Mick

“Joey and I are good friends and he’s also a good friend of Darren Fletcher (board member),” said the Magpies manager

“He is a top player and a top lad. I really got on well with him and I think he describes himself as Joey on the pitch and Joseph off it. That’s his quote, not mine by the way.

“I get on with both of them and respect both of them very highly. From my point of view he will probably want to play at a higher level.

“If that doesn’t come to fruition then I am sure there will be a conversation between me and him in the summer.

“If a deal can be done, then it can, but if not then we wish him well.

“Let’s just see what happens. I am not ruling it out. It’s got to be right for the club, and most importantly it’s got to be right for the player.

“I got on well with him at Newcastle and we are very good friends off the field and on it.

“I don’t see it having a negative impact. It will only add more quality and positivity to the squad.”

“The only time I’ve spoken to Joey about Notts County was when I got the job,” he said.

“He gave me a very good reference to Darren Fletcher about my character and what I am about.

“That was the last time I spoke to him about Notts County and I am sure it won’t be the last.”