McKay: Letting Barton go ‘suicidal’

NEWCASTLE have made a “suicidal” mistake in allowing Joey Barton to leave the club for nothing, according to the player’s agent.

Willie McKay was talking after a day which saw the St James’ Park club tell the 28-year-old midfielder he was free to find a new club, despite having a year left to run on his contract.

Owner Mike Ashley appears to have become tired of Barton‘s constant criticisms of the club on Twitter, and has taken the unusual step of allowing a player with a market value to walk away for nothing.

McKay revealed earlier this year that his client would not be offered a new deal with the club beyond next summer and, despite acknowledging the role Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias have played in rehabilitating Barton following a number of disciplinary problems, he believes they are making a costly error.

“I was totally surprised when they never offered him a contract,” McKay told talkSPORT.

“I think it’s a wee bit suicidal by Newcastle because how would you let your player of the year leave on a free transfer, approaching his prime.

“He’s a very good player and approaching his prime. I just can’t understand what Newcastle are doing.’

“Derek Llambias and Mike Ashley stood by Joey when he was under real pressure so I’m not going to come out and slag off Newcastle’s board but I think they have made a mistake.”