Fleetwood go for Joey

JOEY BARTON has been gifted a way back into football after Fleetwood Town announced he will become their head coach on June 2 — a day after his ban for betting on games ends. Barton, 35, has signed a three-year contract with the League One club which

Sportsmail can confirm has no break clauses based on his behaviour, despite his history of controversies. The ex-England international’s unexpected appointment came about after he convinced chairman Andy Pilley — an old friend of his — he was ready for his first job in management. Barton, whose final appearance as a player was for Burnley last April, was banned for 18 months by the FA for placing bets on 1,260 football matches over 10 years. His suspension was later cut to 13 months on appeal and ends on June 1. Barton said: ‘I’m very excited by the challenge. I’m joining a club with big ambitions.’ The FA were not warned about the appointment but Fleetwood stressed that Barton will only begin working for them from June 2.