Football in Brief: Deeney jailed for 10 months; Barton loses captaincy; Murphy likes Kean spirit

Deeney jailed for 10 months

The Watford striker Troy Deeney has been jailed for 10 months for taking part in a savage attack on a group of students outside a nightclub.

Deeney was caught on CCTV as he kicked one of the victims in the head during a night out, Birmingham Crown Court heard.

The 23-year-old, who had pleaded guilty to affray, was arrested shortly after the fracas, which left one man with a broken jaw and another requiring 20 stitches to a mouth wound.

Deeney, from Chelmsley Wood, West Midlands, was sentenced with three other men, including his younger brother Ellis Deeney.

Barton loses captaincy

Queen's Park Rangers have stripped Joey Barton of the captaincy and fined him six weeks' wages after an investigation into his sending-off against Manchester City on the last day of the season.

"Joey's behaviour, which led to his red card at Manchester City, and his subsequent actions were completely unacceptable and we have made our feelings on this matter known to him," said Phillip Beard, the QPR chief executive.

Barton used Twitter to say: "I was reckless and deserved every punishment. Losing the captaincy and missing 12 games is what really hurts. I wish to put it behind me and help QPR."

Murphy likes Kean spirit

Danny Murphy said yesterday that meeting the manager Steve Kean had convinced the 35-year-old to sign for Blackburn Rovers.

"I soon realised the passion, enthusiasm and ambition he has for the club and how much he wants the team to bounce straight back up to the Premier League," Murphy said.

"I have enjoyed a fantastic five years at Fulham and I'd like to thank the club and the fans for all their support.

"Now my new challenge is to help Blackburn get promoted and repay the manager's and the owners' faith in me."

The midfielder has signed a two-year deal at Ewood Park.