Sam silent on Barton

It`s no surprise to see Big Sam media gagged over the whole Barton affair, as the player gets set to see the magistrates in the coming days. Speaking to the press all he could offer was:

'The whole thing is hugely disappointing. I can't say any more at the moment. Obviously, it's something that may come up for discussion between me and the chairman in the future.'

Whether this means Allardyce being forced to put his case across so we don`t Mutu the player is another story. With two potential assault cases that could lead to time behind bars the instinct of saving ourselves stacks of wages to a player who is quite obviously a liability remains under serious consideration.

Barton should have known to keep clear of his hometime. Hardly flavour of the month for baring his arse to Everton fans whilst at City last season, his constant tirades, his rejection of Everton last summer and also the circumstances surrounding his half-brother effectively make the city a no-goer for him. Yet he turns out and gets wrecked there nevertheless. Clueless.