Warren Barton, arguably one of Newcastle United’s best full-backs and was a mainstay in Kevin Keegan’s 'Entertainers' side. The former England international has spoke to Newcastle Fans TV regarding the takeover rumours flying around. Barton was quick to say how he’d like to see this deal get done: “Hopefully it is days and not weeks, a surreal moment for everybody with what’s going on in the world at the moment but there may be light at the end of the tunnel for Newcastle fans all over the world. Fingers crossed!!”
In the 13 years of Mike Ashley, we spoke to Warren about how badly club legends like Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer have been treated by the regime. Barton said: “Just knowing what their business is like, they’re ruthless! They have got no respect for what people have done.”
If the stars align and the takeover does happen this time, Steve Bruce may lose his job, Warren continued: “I love Steve Bruce and he was ideal for where Newcastle was at the time. But if you are going to be ambitious; Pochettino for me is a no brainer, (he) loves to work with younger players, has a style of football and is passionate. He reminds me a lot of Kevin (Keegan) when he was younger.”
Warren went on to add he’d like a completely fresh start, closing the door on Rafa Benitez return: “Rafa, I love him but I think that door is closed. I think it’s a fresh start, as much as you want to keep the old boys in and keep some of them in the background, I would love it to be fresh. Poch ticks so many boxes, he knows the league and wants to prove people wrong and this club is an ideal opportunity for him.”
Speaking to Warren. You get the feeling he is just as passionate as we Geordie’s are!!! And I’d love to end this article with my favourite quote from this interview. As it highlights the love Warren has for the Club, still to this very day: “Newcastle is a special club, a unique club - and you have to understand that. Even from a distance, until you live in that area and understand what it means to everybody, Newcastle is the biggest club in the North East, passionate fans. More expectations than Middlesbrough or Sunderland, Newcastle is the biggest in that area”
It is an absolute pleasure to have former players like Warren Barton on the channel. A real gent and a fantastic player! I hope he can one day come on again to talk about his playing career.