Bad boy Barton back at Newcastle

Controversial midfielder Joey Barton was back at Newcastle on Wednesday for the first time since he was told to stay away by Alan Shearer. The 26-year-old turned up for the first day of pre-season training at the club's Darsley Park headquarters at 9.47am as he and his team-mates began preparations for the new campaign. Barton was told to stay away from the training ground after a stand-up row with then boss Shearer in the wake of his sending-off at Liverpool on May 3, an offence which ruled him out of the final three games of the Premier League season. His future remains a matter of some speculation with the club certain to move on many of their high earners as they prepare for life in the Championship. Chris Hughton and the remaining members of the coaching staff will work with the players before heading off for a training... [read full story]                    

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