FOOTBALL bad boy Joey Barton, who was released on bail from prison on Thursday, January 3, has been staying at the Forest Mere retreat as part of his rehabilitation. The 25-year-old Newcastle United and England midfielder has also been spotted in Liphook village, shopping in Sainsbury's, buying Lottery tickets. He had been in prison since he was charged with assault and affray and has been granted bail with conditions until he appears at Liverpool Magistrates Court on January 16. The 2004/05 season saw Joey Barton cement his place in the Manchester City squad. He made 33 appearances all in all. A low-point came in the shape of an incident at the club's Christmas party. He poked a cigar into the eye of team mate Jamie Tandy, after allegedly being provoked. He has never been far away from controversy, handing in a transfer request in January 2006, earning him criticism from fans. He finally signed a new deal with City. The final straw for Barton at City came when he was involved in a training ground fight with team-mate Ousmane Dabo, leaving the Frenchman needing hospital treatment and Barton suspended by his own club. In June 2007 he left City to sign for Newcastle United for £5.8m. Peter Kay, chief executive of the Sporting Chance Clinic in Forest Mere, which operates as a charity and was founded in 2000 by former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams, is currently offering supervision and 'bail accommodation' to Mr Barton. Mr Kay has been counselling and treating Mr Barton for over two years for his behavioural problems and calls him an intelligent, caring human being who just "wants to be a better man". Mr Kay, known as 'Chef" by his clients after spending years working in Michelin-starred restaurants, works from two properties tucked away in a wooded hideaway at Forest Mere Country Club, Liphook. Four players at a time can use the main cottage, which is functional rather than luxurious. This is also where troubled footballer George Best spent the last months of his life.
