Barton is named as Bristol Rovers boss
Joey Barton has returned to management after being appointed boss of League One strugglers Bristol Rovers.
Barton, who parted company with Fleetwood Town earlier this season, has been given a contract until 2023 with the Gas.
The 38-year-old succeeds Paul Tisdale in charge after he was sacked on February 10, with Rovers mired in a relegation battle.
"We are delighted to welcome Joey to Bristol Rovers and look forward to working closely with him to progress our football club forward," Rovers' president Wael AlQadi said.
"Joey's experience in the game is matched by his passion for coaching and delivering results, which made him a standout candidate for the role.
"He's got a good knowledge of the league already thanks to his spell at Fleetwood and has shown his credentials at delivering results and getting the best out of the players he works with.
"We are confident that he will be able to continue the ongoing development of the younger players coming through the ranks at the club and speaking to him, I know his ambitions align with what we want to achieve as a football club."
Barton guided Fleetwood to the League One play-offs last season, where they eventually lost to Wycombe Wanderers. He left Fleetwood last month after a run of just one win in seven league games.
The former Newcastle United midfielder has had plenty clashes with Sunderland in the past, both as player and manager, and will come up against his old rivals again on March 27.