Barton meets with Newcastle officials

5:09pm Tuesday 29th July 2008

Controversial midfielder Joey Barton is to get the chance to rebuild his career at St James' Park following his release from prison, Newcastle confirmed on Tuesday.

Magpies manager Kevin Keegan has consistently outlined his intentions to support the player upon his return to the club - a stance which United chose to formalise with a statement on their official website.

A brief message on www.nufc.co.uk said: "Newcastle United officials can confirm they have met with Joey Barton, following which it has been agreed by everyone involved that Joey will remain with the club."

Barton was released from prison in Manchester on Monday after serving 74 days of a six month sentence.

The statement continued: "The club will not be making any further comment at this time."

The 25-year-old one-cap England international was jailed for assault and affray after an incident in Liverpool city centre in December.

He was also given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo during a training session last year.

There were suggestions that Newcastle would part ways with the former City skipper, but he now has the chance to get his career back on track.

Keegan, who has enjoyed plenty of drama since his shock return to Newcastle last season, had been clear in his support for Barton - who was signed by Sam Allardyce for about £5.8million a year ago - and will be pleased that the club's board share his views.

The former England manager had told Radio Five Live on Sunday: "He's been punished for what he did wrong and the world is littered with people who have deserved a second chance, got it and taken it with both hands."

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