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Kinnear backs Barton to deliver
Newcastle United, 11:46, October 28, 2008 ,
Interim manager Joe Kinnear has told Joey Barton the only way for him to win back the trust of the Newcastle fans is on the pitch.
Barton will be looking for home comforts on Tuesday when Newcastle entertain West Brom, but will be acutely aware he has yet to regain the support he had from the St James' Park faithful before he was convicted of two assault charges in the summer.
The midfielder was, predictably, given a torrid time by Sunderland fans at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, and Kinnear, while refusing to get drawn on Barton away from the pitch, understands he faces a big task to earn the respect of his heroes.
Kinnear said: "I hope there is no protests from fans who don't want him here. Just remember Kevin Keegan took the line he did and was very supportive and gave him 100% backing.
"I've been here a few weeks and he's been a model of consistency. I haven't seen anything untoward from him other than him being a very professional footballer.
"I said what you are going through, if it is any help, I have been through a hundred times myself with opposition fans because of the stick that went with the club and the Crazy Gang and the stigma that went with Vinnie Jones, John Fashanu and the like.
"We lived with it and decided to create a siege mentality and we were very successful at it. It brought out the best in players. The more stick we got the more we stuck it to them."
He added: "My message to the fans would be just get behind him. Think what they will be like if he scores after five minutes considering the position we are in. Supporters want to see players who are totally committed and he is.
"As long as they see that they are prepared to forgive and forget. What I say to Joey is the only way he can win over these people is to show what he can do on the pitch - just get on with it and let them make their own assessment."