New Toon after vocal Barton departs dressing room

Sep 11 2011 by Mark Douglas, Sunday Sun

FABRICIO COLOCCINI believes a new Newcastle United will emerge in the wake of Joey Barton’s departure.

Quieter, most definitely, but possibly stronger as key men are forced to take on new responsibility as the memory of Barton fades.

The United skipper will lead his side into battle at Loftus Road tomorrow evening knowing that his leadership skills are under the microscope following the loss of one of the biggest voices in the Toon dressing room.

The fact that Barton will be making his bow in blue-and-white hoops following an acrimonious free transfer switch to South London just brings things into even sharper focus for the defender.

A surprising but popular choice for captaincy, Coloccini has been peerless on the pitch so far, but knows his leadership credentials will face an examination over the coming months – especially with unofficial leaders like Barton having departed.

Coloccini clearly wishes his former team-mate nothing but success at his new club, but is confident others can fill the void left by the midfield motor-mouth. As he acknowledges, they will need to as the nights draw in and a gruelling season kicks in.

“Joey was a very good team-mate. He was not a difficult man to work with – in fact, sometimes you need some players like that with character,” said Coloccini.

“When we are on the pitch we need players with character, players who want to go and win. Maybe you need players like that when you are battling against adversity.

“He always showed his character then, which is good. Sometimes when we did not have good times at the club or we were near the relegation, we needed that kind of player. Now it is up to those left to do that.