Terry McDermott: "I am from Kirkby and Joey is from Huyton - they are just three or four miles apart, and let's just say that you have to be tough in either place to survive.
"Now I am an adopted Geordie and Newcastle United is my team, and what I would say to Joey Barton is to show the same passion on the field for us as you have for Manchester City and our fans will love you.
"In the past couple of years, Joey Barton has been Manchester City. If he has played well, then so have they.
"In a lot of ways he has been the focal point of the team in the same way Steven Gerrard is at Liverpool.
"In fact, if he had been on the open market and not had that £5.5million clause in his contract and had a few problems off the field, then he would have been a £10million-plus signing for us.
"I don't think he is as bad as people make out and there is no doubt in my mind that Sam Allardyce will be able to handle him.
"If he does, then Joey Barton can turn out to be a great asset and a wonderful signing for Newcastle United."