Joey Barton didn't look like the sort of character who would poke a lit cigar into someone's eye. Or flash his backside to a crowd of thousands. Or get arrested and thrown into a cell alongside a robbery suspect.

In a way, I wish he had.

It was the summer of 2003 and Barton, then a hopeful prospect on the verge of the Manchester City first team, sat across the table from me to settle in for his first proper interview. The meeting had been arranged by his agent, Robert Segal, who was keen for his client to get some experience with handling the media. Over the course of the next half hour, Barton spoke reasonably intelligently about the sport, his hopes for his career and how he saw his game evolving over the forthcoming years.

Four and a half years later, I look back on that afternoon and wish he had come across as a thug or an idiot. I wish he hadn't seemed like a decent guy. Because now when the Newcastle midfielder gets himself into more trouble, I feel a fresh surge of disappointment. Not surprise, not any longer. Just disappointment.

Barton has talent and tenacity on the pitch, and it is only his ability that has kept him in the English Premier League. Managers and owners are reluctant to cut adrift skilled players, however miscreant their behavior. But he is running out of chances.

If a week in Liverpool's Walton Prison is not enough to shake some sense into him, there may be little hope left for the 25-year-old.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

"The idea behind the dummy was to pay homage to my daughter and to let her and my wife know that they are my priority" – Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez on his dummy celebration after scoring the winning goal against Birmingham City.

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