Barton signs for QPR.

Joey Barton has left Newcastle and has joined Queens Park Rangers on a four-year deal.

To be fair it's been a long time coming, and whilst I don't really believe he wants to go to QPR judging by what I've seen and heard of him in recent days, I can't say that I'm surprised that he has gone. To QPR yes, but in general, no. Where is this Champions League club he wanted?

They've got a good player so fair play to them. They'll get a committed performer who will give his all on the pitch but will need a lot of attention off the pitch. If Neil Warnock and Co can keep a handle on Barton then they will have a real asset on their hands, and all for absolutely no transfer fee aswell. Absolute bloody bargain if you ask me.

As for Newcastle, whilst I do think we'll miss his influence I don't think we'll miss his ability. His ability to motivate maybe, but technically he isn't, and never has been, that great. In fact it's since the sale of Andy Carroll that his affect on the team has dropped, and by that I mean the amount of assists he got.

It's hard to see how Joey Barton will really fit into our midfield once we get either Gabriel Obertan or Sylvain Marveaux up to speed anyway. These are dedicated wingers who can get to the byline and caused problems with pace. Look in the middle and we have Yohan Cabaye and Cheik Tiote as a first choice pairing with Dan Gosling and a few others as backup I fell we could just about be ok. Maybe I'm trying to think we'll be ok?

So a four year deal it is then which gives Barton the chance of a bit of security. I really can't blame him for that at all. Remember he was available on a free transfer and with no sign of a change in stance from Newcastle I can't really fault him for looking after himself.

So thanks for everything Joey. I hope you continue the hard work and I hope you can stay on the rails. We'll see you again soon enough as we're down your neck of the woods in a few weeks time I can't wait to here these tales that you were telling us about. Something about the truth? Let us know, just please don't say that you were pushed out after making such a defiant stance about how a contract can be sat on and how you couldn't be forced to go anywhere.

In terms of Newcastle, another player out and another day with nobody in. They'll have to pull something out of the hat in terms of transfer activity although past experience tells me that it just won't happen. Shame really as this summer could have been great and could have given us a platform to build on instead of having to rebuild an entirely new platform.

Will it work though?