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Allardyce pleads with Newcastle to keep Barton

06/07/2008

Former manager Sam Allardyce has pleaded with Newcastle United not to sack Joey Barton following the midfielder's latest court appearance.

Last week Barton was given a suspended sentence after he pleaded guilty to attacking former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

With the midfielder already serving a six month sentence for assault and affray the Magpies are reportedly considering sacking the 25-year-old.

However, Allardyce, who took Barton to Tyneside when he was manager for £5.8 million, warned that sacking Barton could lead the troubled footballer in to further difficulties and may cause him to re-offend.

Allardyce told the News of the World: "If Newcastle sack Joey it will be another punishment and defeat the objective of him trying to put things right and become a better person. It could also be dangerous to take football away from him."

Barton is due to be released before the start of the season but Allardyce is worried that if Newcastle release him no other club will take him on.

The former Bolton boss says Barton must make the most of his last chance with Newcastle if he is given one.

"He is fighting for his future because I don't think anyone will take him if he steps out of line again," said Allardyce.

"Joey has had help in the past but he needs to do things for himself now. If this doesn't make him want to get things right, nothing will."

Allardyce has told Barton he must work to regain the trust of everyone again.