Barton seeks solace in words of Washington

Joey Barton turned to quoting the first President of the United States on social networking site Twitter as he continued his outspoken attacks on Newcastle United's hierarchy. The midfielder's public comments about the way the north-east club has been run have proved too much for owner Mike Ashley and manager Alan Pardew, who now appear ready to let the midfielder leave on a free transfer, even though he cost the Magpies £6 million. Barton, who has cited British 20th Century writer George Orwell, went further back in history when he turned to the words of George Washington, the inaugural President of the United States. "Quote of the day: If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter. George Washington," he tweeted in another thinly-veiled attack. Barton also offered a song of the day, 'What Will You Do (When the Money Goes)?' by indie rock band Milburn. But despite everything, the 28-year-old Barton said he might see out the final year of his Newcastle contract. "Just because ur (sic) told to jump, it does not necessarily mean u have to. I may choose to stand perfectly still. It's my right...just a thought," he posted earlier Wednesday. Barton said Tuesday he had been fined two weeks' wages and had been made to train alone, which he described as "predictable". That day he also quoted Orwell when he wrote: "In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act." Despite his controversial past, which includes a 2008 prison sentence for actual bodily harm and affray, Barton has been linked with several of Newcastle's Premier League rivals including Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton. Barton's agent Willie McKay has said there "won't be a problem finding Joey a home" should the player leave St James' Park.