Mike Ashley couldn't wait to see the back of Barton and finally kicked him out of the club - three years after he first tried!

Barton was sent to jail during Kevin Keegan's reign at the club, and only KK stopped Ashley from tearing up Barton's contract, an act he had the right to do by FA and British law.

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.

Joey Barton: “Newcastle are one of the most forward-thinking clubs in the Premier League.

“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.”