Big Sam talks of Barton suicide fears
by Tom Kell, 05 July 2008
Sam Allardyce has called upon Newcastle to give troubled midfielder Joey Barton one final reprieve in order to save not only his career, but potentially his life.
Allardyce endured an all too short-lived spell in the North East while Barton, whom the former Bolton manager brought to St James’ Park, is in the midst of a torrid time on Tyneside.
The England international is already serving one jail term for punching a man during a night out in Liverpool at the turn of the year and was spared further time inside this week when handed a suspended sentence for assaulting former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.
Dabo this week suggested Newcastle would be ‘lacking morals’ if they took Barton back under their wing, but Allardyce sees the situation very differently.
“If Newcastle sack him, then it will be another punishment and defeat the objective of Joey trying to put things right and become a better person,” he told Middle East newspaper The National.
“It could also be dangerous to take away football from him. He is a complete football man. His life revolves around it, there's nothing else. Without it, he could re-offend and, even worse, go into a depression.
“We've had people in the past committing suicide because they could not cope with life after professional football. Dave Clement, who was with me at Bolton, was one at 34 and it's very sad when something like that happens.
“If Newcastle keep Joey, this is the last chance for him. He is fighting for his future because I don't think anyone will take him if he steps out of line again. He owes it to the club and playing could help rehabilitate him.”
Kevin Keegan has been forced to deal with Barton’s misdemeanours but Allardyce does not regret his decision to bring the player to the club in the first place.
“When I signed Joey I knew about his troubles,” he added. “I had asked about him and I asked him directly. He told me he was working on his problems, like alcohol, and getting expert help at the Sporting Chance clinic.
“There is no question he has ability, but that won't make any difference if he cannot control himself off the pitch. He has to gain everyone's trust again - not only as a footballer, but also as a person.”