Bad Boy Joey Barton And Some Nice New Trainers

There isn't a player - no not even Craig Bellamy - who has attracted more headlines for causing trouble off the pitch than Joey in recent times, but let's give the guy a chance.

He hasn't done anything wrong yet and if Allardyce manages to tame his wild social life, the Magpies have just signed one of the best central midfielders in the country and a player who, in stark contrast to some of those who have pulled on the black and white shirt - past and present - will give everything to the team's cause.

If Allardyce is true to his word, he can control the player's knack for self harm and channel his energy into playing football and it is worth remembering that, if he fails, it is not only the player's reputation on the line.

Allardyce was very impressive in our first one-to-one chat, although he was rather rude about my new gleaming white Adidas trainers. I hadn't expected to be summoned to Newcastle's training ground for a chat so I was a little under dressed, but while I respect Sam's thoughts on football, I'm not sure he's qualified as a fashion critic!

Anyway, he was honest and forthright about Barton and was also good enough to confirm that he has virtually completed the signing of Mark Viduka and that he is also hoping to make Tal Ben Haim his third recruit at St James's Park.

If we get over the fact that Viduka has turned Newcastle down three times in the past and has a questionable fitness record - particularly during the winter months - he looks like a good signing, particularly if Newcastle hold on to Oba Martins and Michael Owen. I suspect one of those will go, but I wouldn't be surprised if Allardyce has already lined up another striker anyway. Nicolas Anelka seems to be in his thoughts, but we'll have to wait and see.

As for Ben Haim, he looks like another good signing. Strong, resolute, determined and, as we saw with his running battle with Wayne Rooney during England's game against Israel last season he has a nasty side which, as much as I hate to say it, isn't necessarily a bad thing when you are a Premiership defender - just look at John Terry.

Allardyce was also very good on his plans for the future. He is hoping to improve the club's training facilities at Longbenton and is determined to implement new levels of professionalism in preparation and conditioning.

He is also excited about new owner Mike Ashley's intentions for the club which is encouraging. Certainly it looks as though it is going to give him considerable financial clout in the transfer market. I'd expect to see at least two wingers, another striker, two centre backs and a left back arrive before the start of next season.

Meanwhile, Barton will get an early taste of Allardyce's leadership skills when the pair play in the Professional Football Association's Cricket team against the Professional Cricketer's Association in a charity match at Old Trafford next week. I never had Barton down as the cricketing type, but there you go!