Pardew building bridges with Barton

Manager Alan Pardew has hinted that Joey Barton’s Newcastle career may not be over despite this week’s Twitter controversy.

Barton has been made available on a free transfer by the Magpies after his recent criticism of the club on the social networking site.

The 28-year-old has since tweeted quotes from the likes of George Washington and George Orwell to underline his displeasure and on Tuesday was forced to train alone.

At that point he looked certain to leave the club this summer, with his agent Willie McKay claiming several clubs had already shown their interest, but a hint of compromise appeared to be struck between the parties today.

Barton was allowed to train with the reserve team this morning before Pardew appeared at a press conference where he declared he would “not close the door” on Barton’s time at St James’ Park.

“I’ve never closed the door on anyone and I’m not closing the door on Joey,” he said in a press conference shown on Sky Sports News.

“He trained with the development team today and, who knows, he may train with the first-team soon.”

Moments later Barton offered further hope of a reconciliation, ironically on his Twitter page, when he made reference to world-renowned bridge builder Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

“Does anybody have Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s number?” he wrote.