Joey Barton ends Newcastle war of words following Alan Pardew plea

Joey Barton has been typically outspoken about his time on the Tyne (Getty Images)

Former Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has indicated he has ended his war of words with the club.

The 29-year-old QPR man ruffled a few more feathers on Tyneside this week with an outburst which prompted Magpies managing director Derek Llambias to call in the lawyers.

Pardew yesterday urged Barton, who left the club during the summer after having the offer of a contract extension withdrawn, not to take the gloss off Newcastle's fine start to the season, and it appears his plea has been answered.

This morning, Barton tweeted: "Pardew's a good man and manager, I agree with what he has said. Time to keep my peace."

Pardew's response when asked about the former Manchester City player's latest comments was: "I keep asking myself why? Why does he keep cropping up?

"From my point of view, the only focus I have had as the manager of this football club is the team, and it's the team that's doing exceptionally well.

"Unfortunately, Joey's comments take away the positive nature of what we are doing here in terms of the players' performances, which have been absolutely brilliant.

"Anybody who takes that limelight away from my players, I'm not particularly keen on, if I'm honest.

"It is a bit frustrating, but you have got to put in into the perspective of the week we are having, and it means nothing, really."

PA