Warner reportedly in line to be next goalkeeping coach at Rovers
FORMER Liverpool goalkeeper Tony Warner is in the frame to become Bristol Rovers new goakeeping coach, however Bristol Live understands the 47-year-old is one of several being considered by the club.
Training Ground Guru have reported Warner is set to be appointed in north Bristol following the departure this week of David Coles, who had served under Ben Garner and Barton.
Warner is on a list of candidates as Barton looks to build his own staff at the club but no appointment has been made and, at this stage, he just remains under consideration among other coaches.
The 47-year-old was most recently goalkeeping coach at League One Accrington Stanley, the final club of his lengthy and varied playing career.
Warner came through the Liverpool academy and spent his time at Anfield as No 2 to David James before leaving in 1999 to join Millwall, where he made more than 200 appearances.
Stints at Fulham, Leeds and Norwich City followed before, towards the end of his playing career, he spent time in New Zealand with Wellington Phoenix and Maltese club Floriana.
Coles left the Gas this week along with Garner’s former No 2 Jack Mesure, head of medical Miles Warren and head of sports science Alun Andrews and Under-23s coach and club legend Lee Mansell.
Barton has frequently criticised the culture and organisation of the club behind the scenes claiming that preparation last summer didn’t have them ready for the 2020-21 season.
The former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder is planning a particularly demanding and intense pre-season, including time at an army camp in Hereford.
Rovers’ goalkeeping department should certainly look very different for next season with No 2 Jordi van Stappershoef out of contract, loanee Joe Day returning to Cardiff and young stoppers Alexis Andre Jnr and Liam Armstrong also free agents next month.