Letting Josh go was best for all parties, says Pirates boss

JOEY Barton admits Bristol Rovers’ decision to terminate Josh Barrett’s contract is in the interest of all parties with the midfielder now a free agent and able to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Barrett, pictured, has been unable to command a first-team place at the Gas since arriving as one of the first signings of Ben Garner’s tenure as manager, akin to his situation at former club Reading.

The 23-year-old has been beset with injury issues and concerns from a succession of coaches over his fitness and application, to the point Garner was close to releasing him in September last year only for Barrett to be granted a reprieve.

Following Garner’s sacking, he’s been unable to win over Paul Tisdale and Barton and the Gas manager explained his reasoning with some advice for the former Reading playmaker, who made 19 appearances over one-and-ahalf seasons in blue and white.

“He’s going to exit the building which is probably best for all parties,” said Barton.

“It saves the club a bit of money and it allows Josh to get on with his career because he’s a talented boy no doubt about that, but he’s got a lot of work to do to salvage his career as a professional footballer.

“He’s clearly got the talent for that, it’s just can he knuckle down and show the discipline and desire needed to play in the league?

“Maybe a fresh start and dropping out of the professional game and coming back in via the non-League route or maybe he gets a chance in the football league and realises that this might be his last opportunity.”