Barton on a high as reign at Fleetwood Town begins

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

Barton – who has signed a three-year deal at the Sky Bet League One club – was announcedasJohnSheridan’s successor in April.

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

After his ban finished, controversial former Newcastle and Manchester City midfielder 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 suspension was then reduced by five months following an appeal, allowing Barton to start his managerial career ahead of the 201819 season.

Clint Hill, who played alongside Barton at QPR and Rangers, and Steve Eyre have joined Fleetwood as firstteam coaches.

Fleetwood finished 14th in League One last season after Sheridan replaced the sacked Uwe Rosler in February, with the Lancashire coast club in danger of the drop in 20th place.

The Cod Army will meet Sunderland in competitive action for the first time in the coming season. The fixtures will be announced on Thursday, June 21, with Sunderland’s trip to Highbury eagerly awaited by travelling fans.