Saturday 22 November 2014 14:22, UK
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew believes QPR’s Joey Barton could follow him into management when he hangs up his boots.
The 32-year-old midfielder returns to Newcastle for Saturday’s Premier League clash and will have contrasting memories of his four-year spell at St James’ Park
Barton served 74 days in prison after being convicted of assault during his time on Tyneside, but played under Pardew after helping the club gain promotion back to the Premier League.
The pair will renew acquaintances this weekend and the Magpies manager has hinted that Barton sought advice about staying in the game once he retires.
"Joey isn't going to go away quietly," said Pardew. "I am sure he has got a plan. I think Joey possibly could go down that line.
"It is a question for Joey. I have always enjoyed working with him and we still have the odd communication - just now and then, and I am not elaborating on that.
"I like him and he is someone who is good for the game."
Pardew worked with Barton for around nine months after replacing Chris Hughton at the helm in December 2010.
He admits the outspoken player was a constant challenge, but proved his worth on the pitch.
"It is interesting. If you work with Joey, he has got an opinion on everything and he likes to express that,” said the 53-year-old.
"He always made me laugh, or made me think. I didn't 100 per cent categorically disagree with him, but he has an opinion and you have got to admire that.
"He gets overlooked for what a good player he is. He was excellent for us on the side of a [midfield] four, picking passes out and really complimented our front two.
"Other things have happened with Joey, but people forget what a good footballer he is. The thing I fear on Saturday is the way he will play.
"I think our fans will give him a good reception, if I am honest, and in terms of his tweeting and everything else he does, none of that bothers me. It's what he does on the pitch, and he does it very well."
This fixture also heralds the arrival of R’s boss Harry Redknapp, who was heavily linked with the vacancy at Newcastle following Sam Allardyce's departure back in 2008.
Rangers are currently languishing in the relegation zone, but Pardew expects the west Londoners to pose plenty of attacking problems.
"His [Redknapp's] CV and reputation speak for themselves - he's been there and done it,” said Pardew. “He knows that his team is playing well.
"When I was under a difficult spell, just before the big disappointment at Southampton, we were terrific, but didn't win a game. I think that's where QPR are.
"They are better than the position they are in and we'll see that. We won't be surprised to get a tough game. I think there will be goals - hopefully we'll get one more than them.
"I always enjoy Harry's teams. They play to win, like my teams, and are always on the front foot with flair."
