Joey Barton to Bolton Wanderers - Why Not?

I am not drunk and I am not on drugs, but I think that our glorious leader Neil Lennon could do a lot worse than taking a squiz at yon Joey Barton, who was released by Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday.

The combative former Manchester City and Newcastle United captain would, in my opinion, be an ideal leader for the centre of Wanderers' midfield.

Before you clever clogs know-it-alls (me included) start to flame me with comments about how we can afford him - I don't care about that.

What I care about is Bolton Wanderers. We have had a soft centre for years, and the likes of Jay Spearing and Medo Kamara have tried to bring steel and class to the middle of the park, and let's face it, both have failed.

Barton, in my opinion, offers all these things and more. He's vastly experienced, having spent the majority of his career in the Premier League - a loan spell at Marseille aside - not to mention his international experience. His time at QPR came to a rather ignominious ending with their relegation, but he was a first-pick throughout the campaign and his passion for the cause is undoubted.

At the ripe age of 32, Barton would no doubt fancy a move back to his native North West, and at his age would, you hope, be willing to take a more realistic contract in the expectation of being a lock in the centre of the park - and dare I say it, a captain in waiting.

So Lenny, give it some thought, and don't let Tim Sherwood and Aston Villa nip in there first.