U-turn from Barton as he heaps praise on Newcastle regime

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Joey Barton has praised the Newcastle board for their running of the club.

The former Magpies midfielder, currently on loan at Marseille from QPR, had previously been outspoken in his criticism of the regime at St James’ Park.

But in an interview shown on his website, Barton said: “Newcastle are one of the most forward-thinking clubs in the Premier League.”

Referring to the controversial deal with short-term loan company Wonga, he added: “As much as it hurts the Geordie faithful because it’s their club and they love it, you’re saying ‘Look, we’ve got to just move with the times’.

“I’ve been really vocal about certain things they’ve done in the past but you have to take your hat off to them.

“Two years ago they were the laughing stock of football – not so much now.”

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