Barton & Richards sign new deals
“Manchester City midfield man Joey Barton has signed a new four-year deal. The 23-year-old pledged his future to City after the contract was delayed by a wrangle over a reported £100,000 demand made by agent Willie McKay.” - BBC
Despite the stories all focussing on Joey Barton signing a new contract the important part of this story is Micah Richards signing his contract. Richards was a revelation when he broke into the first team last season, looking like a player with much more experience. Signing him to a longer contract is probably the best piece of business that Stuart Pearce has done all summer.
Barton still has a long way to go with me before he is back in my affections. I wasn’t happy with his transfer request in January, although I can understand it, however what really bothered me was the noticeable drop off in his performances after that request last season. Before Christmas he had been one of our better players and then after the request he looked like he couldn’t be bothered. I want to see the form of the early part of last season again, and I want to see the proper attitude.
If Barton gets back to form then he can make a challenge for a place in the England squad one of these days. He may well have company in Richards too in a few years.