From the b*ll*x a couple of days ago.
Joey Barton has grown a comedy moustache... to help build Newcastle's Premier League spirit.
The midfielder sported a hairy upper lip and helped the Geordies to a penalty shoot out win against Deportivo La Coruna in the Riazor Stadium and lift the club's biggest trophy for years.... the magnificent Trofeo Teresa Herrera Cup that measured in at 3ft 2ins and needed two players to lift it.
Barton's new look conjured memories of the cowboy from the Village People, or being generous, Graeme Souness in his prime.
Barton has been hammered by his team mates for the last week as he struggled to bush out his stubble into a noticeable tache, as Chris Hughton's men look to prove they haven't lost their cutting edge from the Championship.
Boss Hughton and senior United stars are keen to recreate last season's atmosphere behind the scenes which pulled the club out of their relegation depression to win the league, because when the going gets tough in the top flight United will be tested to the limit.
Hirsute Barton has done his bit as the big kickoff approaches.
It is claimed that Barton is growing facial hair along with Alan Smith and Andy Carroll with the trio pledging to only shave once Newcastle have their first Premier League win.
The Geordies play Manchester United a week on Monday followed by Aston Villa.
United will launch their new strip in Newcastle today before heading to Glasgow for their final warm-up against Rangers on Saturday.
Hughton has managed to bolster his squad on a tight budget adding Sol Campbell last week to Dan Gosling and James Perch.
United have also had a bid for Hatem Ben Arfa rejected by Marseille, but are continuing their pursuit of the 23-year-old. The winger is said to be keen to join United.
A United insider said: "Team spirit is important, and growing a moustache and having a bit of banter about it all part of it. But now we need Joey's effort to grow in a bit thicker, and ultimately to see it in action on Match of the Day. Really, it is the least he can do to keep the lads' spirits high. It suits him."
Barton says he is ready for the new season adding: "The lads will give me stick but I have some back-up.
He added:"I don't know if the game against Coruna quite counts as winning a big trophy. It was great for the 60 fans who came over here, though. I missed my first penalty in normal time and looked a bit stupid. But I got the chance to redeem myself and knocked the fifth one in to win it.
"Now we've got Rangers and then Man United, so this was a good test."
Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2010 12:04 pm