Football Dispatch

Weekend Football
28 December2007
by Jerrad Peters

Barton to spend New Year's in jail
The existence of second chances is among the more defining elements of a progressive society. That one can make a mistake, pay his debt, and reassume his place in the community is a fundamental right which recognizes the humanity of all of us, the fallibility of all of us, and our collective desire to make positive contributions for the common good. At least in theory.

Beyond conjecture and theoretic ideals exists a line. The extremities of the line are determined by common sense; and those who cross it too many times are obliged to yield a component of their lives – whether a portion of their finances, their profession, or their freedom. Joey Barton has crossed the line repeatedly. And the debate is now on as to whether he should be compelled to sacrifice at least one of the three. You can guess which.

After Newcastle dropped a dud against Wigan on Wednesday, Barton made the drive to Liverpool and painted the town red. It was a bender which ended at 5:30am – forcibly ended when the 25-year-old midfielder was arrested and hauled away by police. Denied bail, he will now await a hearing on January 3. In the interim, he will miss Newcastle’s critical holiday fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City.

It is hardly the first time that Barton has made the front pages instead of the back. Last season, he was involved in a shameful altercation with Manchester City teammate Ousmane Dabo which left the latter hospitalized and resulted in a summer transfer to St. James’ Park. And a year earlier, he was sent home from City’s pre-season tour of the Far East – having got involved in a bust-up with a 15-year-old Everton supporter.

What is most astounding about Barton’s behavior is that he persistently maintains that he is fervently religious. He may or may not be. But judging by his actions, which is the litmus test for any religious individual, it is likely that he spends more time in confession than in worship.

Valencia crisis could spell mass exodus
A trio of veteran Spain internationals could be headed out of the Mestalla in January. Goalkeeper Santiago Canizares and midfielders David Albelda and Miguel Angel Angulo were dropped from the squad when Valencia lost 3-0 at home to Barcelona on December 15. Without the three, Los Che proceeded to defeat Real Union Irun in the Copa del Rey and draw Real Zaragoza three days later.

Angulo, 30-years-old and a veteran of 282-matches at the club, appears content to fight for his place in manager Ronald Koeman’s team. Canizares and Albelda, however, have requested transfers. At 38-years of age, Canizares is of the mind that he doesn’t have the time to be benched. Chelsea have already expressed an interest in the former Spain number-one. Blues manager Avram Grant wants to ensure that he has an insurance policy in the event that Petr Cech is crocked for an extended period. Canizares, however, may be lured by a lucrative offer from Major League Soccer.

Albelda, meanwhile, could be headed to one of Everton or Liverpool. Don’t be surprised if Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle come in for him as well. When playing to his potential, the 30-year-old is a superb defensive midfielder – the sort of glue that is desperately needed at both White Hart Lane and St. James’ Park at the moment.

The onion bag
The offers are rolling in for Blackburn Rovers midfielder Robbie Savage. The 33-year-old Welshman has been kept out of Mark Hughes’ squad since a return from injury and is contemplating a move away from Ewood Park. Sunderland appear the likeliest destination. Roy Keane will be splashing the cash again when the transfer window opens and could use some sandpaper in the middle of the park. Wigan and Derby will make overtures as well

Chelsea manager Avram Grant will be given a 50m-pound transfer kitty when the winter transfer period begins. The 52-year-old Israeli is worrying over the absences of Didier Drogba, John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien, and Salomon Kalou through African Nations Cup duty and will seek to bolster his squad. Nicolas Anelka is his primary target and he will sound out Inter Milan for defender Maicon as well. Club owner Roman Abramovich is keen to add a Russian element to the mix and will push for the signings of Lokomotiv Moscow pair Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Branislav Ivanovic.

Portsmouth are fielding offers for midfielder/left-back Matthew Taylor. The versatile 26-year-old has been usurped by the likes of Noe Pamarot and Sulley Muntari and may depart Fratton Park next month. Bolton Wanderers, Reading, and Everton have made inquiries; although each of the three continue to refuse Harry Redknapp’s 5M-pound valuation of the player.