A tweet by Joey Barton earlier today is more than a subtle hint that he is likely to be playing his football in Scotland with Rangers next season. Although he has been offered a contract extension to remain at Burnley, he confirms that he has made his mind up over his future.
In the tweet, a hashtag from Barton reads #Rollupandspendyourlastdime, which is a line from a Rangers anthem called Penny Arcade.
Tough decision but it's now made. Onwards and upwards from here. #Rollupandspendyourlastdime
— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 23, 2016
It has been a fantastic season for Barton in that he started it as a free agent, before Sean Dyche came calling early into the season before offering him a one-year deal. His excellent displays at the heart of the Clarets midfield played a major part in their success in winning the Championship title and earning a place in next season’s Premier League.
The 33-year-old, who turns 34 in September, started 37 of Burnley’s 46 matches ion their title-winning campaign, scoring three goals in the process. Prior to this he enjoyed spells at Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and a loan spell at French club Marseille.
Although he has been known for speaking his mind and attracting a certain amount of attention in his direction, Dyche confesses to being one of his biggest fans and will be forever grateful for the role he played last season. He has been offered a new deal to remain at Turf Moor, but Barton’s tweet suggests he could be Rangers-bound. Then again, is this a classic Joey Barton prank leading us all in a different direction? You just never know.
Sky Sports however do understand that the player had a medical with the 54-time Scottish top flight champions. The Ibrox club comfortably strolled to the Ladbrokes Championship title last season, meaning that they can reignite their feisty rivalry with Celtic next season.
