Neil Warnock has clinched his first signing of the new era at Queens Park Rangers Football Club with the capture of Joey Barton from Newcastle United.
The talented England international midfielder has penned a four-year deal at Loftus Road, and becomes the first arrival in W12 since the takeover of the Club by Tony Fernandes and his fellow new Board members.
The 28 year-old has put pen to paper on a deal until the summer of 2015.
Speaking exclusively to
www.qpr.co.uk, Barton expressed his delight at the move, commenting: "It's been quite a whirlwind, so to get things finally sorted and draw a line under it all is a great relief.
"The ambition of the Club really impressed me.
"There's obviously a great set of lads here already and that's why they had such a great season in the Championship.
"The gaffer is talking about adding two or three more bodies and that, combined with the potential of the Club and the new owners' ambitions, bodes really well for the future."
After moving to St James' Park from Manchester City in June 2007, Barton spent four years at St James Park, making 84 appearances in all competitions and scoring eight goals.
Warnock believes Barton's arrival will be key to the R's hopes this season, adding: "We've got a very, very good player on our hands.
"He's coming here to show people what he can do. He wants to get back into the England team.
"He's very enthusiastic. People will say one or two things about him, but they've said stuff about me in the past too, so I won't worry about that."
The R's Manager added: "He's a winner. Even without the armband on, he's a captain every week.
"He's a lot better play than people give him credit for. Hopefully we can harness all his positive characteristics and get the best out of him.
"I think with Tony's backing and Amit coming back on board this is a really positive step for the Football Club."
Barton will wear the number 17 shirt.
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2431316,00.html
