THERE was a time, not so long ago, that Everton were continually linked with a move for Joey Barton.

The theory was that the boyhood Blues’ competitive qualities and drive in central midfield would be appreciated at Goodison Park, and that was even after he once treated the Park End to an unwelcome view of his backside. But Barton’s latest misdemeanour, perhaps his most high-profile yet (and that’s saying something) could leave him stranded in terms of playing in the Premier League, should QPR decide to bite the bullet and release him.

Yet while some might imagine Barton would find some sympathy from fellow no-nonsense former Toffee midfielder, and Everton legend, Peter Reid, there is certainly none forthcoming.

“If I were Mark Hughes I’d get rid of him,” said the ex-Plymouth boss.

“I think the lad’s an idiot. He’s had that many chances sometimes you can’t help people.

“He’s from the same place as me, Huyton, and he’s a working class lad from a council house like me. He’s got to learn to look after himself – he’s a grown man.”

Few could argue counter to Reid’s assessment, but it seems like football’s establishment of pundits are nevertheless closing ranks after Barton dared to have an amusing pop at bland as Horlicks Match of the Day analyst Alan Shearer.