by Essential Sports

Updated: July 8, 2008, 3:38 AM EST 12 comments

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The 25-year-old is currently serving a six-month jail sentence for assault and was handed a suspended prison term last week for a training-ground bust-up with former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Barton is expected to meet with Newcastle officials about his future at St James' Park and Allardyce, who signed the one-time England international from City last summer, fears for the player's future should his contract be terminated.

Allardyce said: "If Newcastle sack Joey it will be another punishment and defeat the objective of him trying to put things right and become a better person.

"It could also be dangerous to take football away from him. He is a complete football man. His life revolves around it.

"If Newcastle keep Joey, this is the last chance for him. He is fighting for his future because I don't think anyone will take him if he steps out of line again.

"Joey has had help in the past but he needs to do things for himself now. If this doesn't make him want to get things right, nothing will."