Joey Barton handed managerial chance at Fleetwood Town
Fleetwood Town chairman Andy Pilley has hailed the managerial potential of Joey Barton after the controversial former England midfielder was confirmed as the League One teams new head coach.
Barton, 35, will only take up the role, his first in management, on 2 June, the day after his 18-month ban from the Football Association for breaking betting regulations expires.
The ex-Manchester City, Newcastle, Marseille, Rangers, Burnley and QPR player – jailed in 2008 for assaulting a teenager – has signed a three-year contract at Fleetwood, where he will replace John Sheridan.
Read more: Barton accuses FA over "harsh" 18-month ban for betting
“This is a huge appointment for Fleetwood and one Im very excited about,” said Pilley.
“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.”
Barton, who has a long-standing friendship with Pilley and almost joined the club on loan from QPR in 2012, said: “Im very excited by the challenge and the project.
“My first job in management was always going to be a big decision for me and Im delighted with the opportunity ahead. Im joining a club with big ambitions.”
Fleetwood have climbed from the ninth tier to the third in just 10 years and currently lie 14th in League One.
| Fleetwood Town can confirm an agreement has been reached for @Joey7Barton to become the club's new Head Coach as of June 2nd.
Full details: https://t.co/ZPz5vAaCODpic.twitter.com/cQ3BbjqrR7
— Fleetwood Town FC (@ftfc) April 18, 2018
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