Mark Hughes reflected upon his unhappy time at QPR in the Telegraph over the weekend comparing it to the serene environment he now basks in at Stoke, a haven of stability and common sense. In contrast, Hughes got bad vibes at Loftus Road. “Subconsciously, you sense perhaps that some people are expecting you to fail," he remarked and said he didn't deserve to be judged on the basis of "12 games at the start of last season for QPR."
However, his former midfielder at QPR, Joey Barton's ears perked up the not so faint sound of Mark Hughes shifting the blame for QPR's relegation in 2013. He aimed both barrels at his former manager, launching the familiar Bartonian barrage of furious tweets in Hughes' direction.
If its any consolation for Mark, I judge him on Fulham and Man City as well...
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
People thinking I hold a grudge against Hughes. I don't. He was the one who let me go to Marseille after all.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
What I don't like is people shifting the blame. How dare he say what he has said in that interview. The club/board backed him to the hilt. — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
Who took the club down. Why? Lack of professional pride and discipline. IMO. He will claim he kept us up the year. He never. Warnocks team. — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
Who took the club down. Why? Lack of professional pride and discipline. IMO. He will claim he kept us up the year. He never. Warnocks team. — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
I reiterate, players he signed took the club down. Why I am ranting at this interview? Because he is trying to get away from the truth. — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
We are all now here trying to clean up his mess. The players/staff/board and fans. He inherits Tony Pulis team, a good solid team and now.. — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
..he thinks he's the bees knees. Nah mate, you're not shifting blame. Not on my watch.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
Accept you failed. Accept your to blame. Be humble and apologise to a club you left in a hell of a worse situation than when you came.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014