Newcastle United boss, Alan Pardew believe Joey Barton’s departure from the club was always going to happen, and will benefit both parties in the long run.
Barton wrapped up a free transfer to Queens Park Rangers in the summer after being transfer listed for free by the Magpies, following a turbulent relationship with the club’s backroom staff.
The midfielder became accustomed to voicing his opinions on the north-east club via social networking site, Twitter, in what is becoming a theme amongst footballers.
The Toon manager stated: “I don’t think relief is the right word. It was perhaps the right time that we all shook hands and moved on because otherwise it was just going to hang around.”
Pardew added: “He’s got himself a contract that he has earned through not just his ability, but the way he has conducted himself in the last couple of years especially, and we wish him well.”