Barton is the new boss at Fleetwood
Rangers flop Joey Barton will take his first steps into management this summer after being appointed head coach of League One side Fleetwood.
The 35-year-old, most recently at Burnley, is currently banned from all football activities after being found guilty of breaching betting rules but his suspension, reduced from 18 months on appeal, expires on 1 June.
Fleetwood confirmed the former Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Marseille midfielder will begin his employment the following day.
“I’m very excited by the challenge and the project at Fleetwood Town,” Barton told fleetwoodtownfc.com. “It’s a club I’ve known for a long time, and a chairman I already have a very good relationship with.
“My first job in management was always going to be a big decision for me and I’m delighted with the opportunity ahead,
“I’m joining a club with big ambitions. I’m looking forward to getting started on 2 June.”
Barton joined Rangers on a two-year contract in May 2016 and made his first appearance as a substitute in a 2–0 win over Annan in the League Cup on 19 July. Barton was suspended for three weeks in the September following a training
ground bust-up with Andy Halliday and had his contract terminated with immediate effect in November 2016.
At Fleetwood, Barton will replace John Sheridan, who was brought in on a shortterm deal until the end of the season when Uwe Rosler was sacked in February.
“This is a huge appointment for Fleetwood Town Football Club and one I’m very excited about,” said chairman Andy Pilley.
“Joey not only brings a host of experience and profile, but I also feel he has the potential to become one of the best in the new generation of coaches.
“He’s someone I’ve known for a number of years and I’m convinced he’s ready to make the step into management, and that he will be a huge success.
“Joey will be able to build on the fantastic work done by John Sheridan during the last couple of months, one he deserves huge credit for.
“John joined us on a short term arrangement with the aim of keeping us in League One and I’m delighted he’s been able to do that.
“Today’s news signals a new chapter for Fleetwood Town which starts on 2 June, and one which we are all excited about.”
Barton’s playing days were littered with controversies. He once stabbed a Manchester City team-mate in the eye with a lit cigar during the club’s Christmas party in 2004 and was jailed for six months in 2008 after admitting to common assault and affray.
During his second stint at Burnley he was banned from football for 18 months for placing 1,260 bets on football over 11 years.