Barton becomes boss as ban ends

JOEY Barton will be unveiled as Fleetwood head coach today following the end of his 13-month ban for betting on football matches.

The former City midfielder - who has signed a three-year deal at the Sky Bet League One club - was announced as John Sheridan’s successor in April.

But he was unable to start work until his suspension from football activities was served and the ban expired on Saturday.

After his ban finished, Barton wrote on Instagram: “Delighted to take over as Head Coach of @ftfcofficial (Fleetwood Town).

“Really looking forward to joining a forward thinking football club. #OnwardsTogether.”

Fleetwood welcomed Barton by posting a picture of the once-capped England midfielder holding a club scarf above his head on their official website.

“The vastly-experienced 35-year-old, who excelled during his top-flight playing career with the likes of Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers and most recently Burnley, will take charge of the club’s first team this summer with pre-season starting on Monday 18th June,” said a Fleetwood statement.

Barton was banned by the FA in April 2017 for placing 1,260 bets on football matches over the course of 10 years.

The ban was then reduced by five months following an appeal, allowing Barton to start his managerial career ahead of the 2018-19 season.