Former Fleetwood midfielder Coutts set to team up with Barton again
JOEY Barton is close to securing his first signing as Bristol Rovers manager with former Fleetwood Town midfielder Paul Coutts set to join the Gas on a free transfer.
Coutts’ contract is expiring at Fleetwood and he was not included on their retained list published last week, but has long been a target for Barton looking to bring a sense of leadership and character to the Gas dressing room.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon has reported Rovers are keen on the 32-yearold and the Bristol Post understands talks are at an advanced stage with optimism that Coutts can be agreed by the end of the week.
Barton, pictured, has spoken about having three to four signings close to being completed and the former Scotland Under-21 international is one of them, with Rovers’ manager tweeting yesterday, “hoping for some exciting news for you all in the next couple of days.” Coutts was signed by Barton at Fleetwood in 2019 following his release from Sheffield United with the manager saying at the time, “he’s someone who’s been there and done it at this level and raises the standards on and off the field”.
After becoming a regular under Barton, he spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two Salford City.
Coutts possesses an impressive playing CV with experience across League One and the Championship for Peterborough, Preston, Derby, Sheffield United and Fleetwood, holding the captain’s armband at a number of those clubs.
He was a vital player for the Blades as they rose through the divisions before his release in 2019 after a serious knee injury had curtailed his playing time.
Then-manager Chris Wilder labelled the decision to release him as, “the hardest in his career” due to his admiration for Coutts’ attitude and competitiveness.
He will help fill the leadership void left by the departed Luke Leahy, who signed for Shrewsbury Town last week, as well as bringing an extra layer of quality in the midfield department.
A combative and committed midfielder, he will also effectively take Ed Upson’s place in the squad following his exit on a free transfer, and gives a strong indication as to the type of character Barton will be looking to bring to north Bristol this summer.
Meanwhile, Bristol Rovers have confirmed they have sold 3,388 season tickets for next season with support and excitement around Barton still strong despite the Gas’ relegation.
The former Newcastle United and Manchester City midfielder accepts the focus and responsibility is now solely on him in terms of the Gas’ performance following a campaign of instability and upheaval at the Memorial Stadium. » Wolves are closing in on the appointment of former Benfica boss Bruno Lage to succeed Nuno Espirito Santo as manager.