Joey Barton will take over as Head Coach of Fleetwood Town on the 2nd June, following the expiry of his suspension by the Football Association for breaking betting rules.
Barton received an 18-month suspension for breaching the Football Association's rules after he was found to have placed over 1,200 bets on matches during a 10-year span. His ban was reduced by five months after an appeal and expires on the 1st June.
The former Manchester City man has always been a controversial character and in 2016 he had his contract terminated at Rangers after just eight matches following a torrid spell for the Scottish side. He hasn’t featured on the pitch since playing for Burnley at the end of the 2016/17 campaign. Despite helping them avoid relegation from the Premier League, he was released at the end of the season following his ban by the FA.
Since his release, Barton has been a regular on the radio with Talksport and in January he started his own podcast called ‘The Edge’. In Barton’s words, it was a show that aimed to explore the unique talent and occasional darkness that drives elite performance in the worlds of sport. Although completing his coaching badges whilst still playing, this will be his first job in management.
Media work will be put on hold for Barton as he looks to turnaround Fleetwood’s fortunes in League One next season. After an impressive rise over the past 15 years, winning six promotions in ten seasons to climb from the ninth tier to League One, Fleetwood have stalled somewhat this season, finding themselves 14th in League One.
As a result of their poor form, former manager Uwe Rosler was sacked in February and John Sheridan was appointed until the end of the season. It is thought the deal for Barton had been in the pipeline for some time, with Barton spotted and the U23 Merseyside Derby on Monday night, potentially already scouting out personnel for his side next season.
Barton is one of several former Premier League stars jumping into management in the football league, with the likes of Harry Kewell at Crawley Town, Kevin Nolan at Notts County and Lee Bowyer at Charlton Athletic all making their managerial debuts in recent seasons.
It’s something Fleetwood Chairman Andy Pilley is fully aware of. He said “This is a huge appointment for Fleetwood Town Football Club and one I’m very excited about. 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"
Despite the task at hand, Barton is unphased and confirmed he is looking forward to the challenge ahead. Barton said “I’m very excited by the challenge and the project at Fleetwood Town. 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 June 2nd."
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