Barton to make statement on future today

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has promised to “make an announcement regarding my future” on social networking site Twitter this afternoon.

The Liverpudlian yesterday Tweeted a series of cryptic messages hinting at problems behind the scenes at St James’ Park before revealing he will make a more clear-cut statement at 4pm today.

Barton initially said yesterday: “If only we as players could tell the fans exactly how it is, without them above fining us lots of money. There will be a time and a place.”

He referred to team-mate Jose Enrique’s recent fine for critical Tweeting after the Spaniard accused the club of lacking ambition when he added: “If it wouldn’t effect team morale and cause unrest within the dressing room, am certain Jose’s comments would be the tip of the iceberg.....

“And again it would be left to those magnificent fans to pick up the remnants of their once great football club. #hadenoughofcertainpeople

“If I wanted to leave, I’d just come out and say: ’I want to leave’. Things need addressing as am not prepared to go through a relegation again.”

This afternoon he added: “I wont be commenting on situation at Newcastle again, as I feel it helps nobody and serves no purpose. Hope u all understand,” only to add barely 30 minutes later: “I will be making an announcement regarding my future, on here at 4pm today........”

Barton has just a year left on his Newcastle contract but claimed recently he had no interest in a move elsewhere.

The Magpies lost 3-2 to Leeds in a pre-season friendly yesterday.