FLEETWOOD TOWN HAVE announced that Joey Barton will become their new head coach this summer.
The controversial midfielder, who last played for Burnley, is currently serving a ban after admitting to placing 1,260 football-related bets over a 10-year period.
35-year-old Barton had the 18-month suspension reduced, however, meaning he will be eligible to return to the game on 1 June.
And League One outfit Fleetwood revealed today that the ex-Manchester City, Newcastle United and QPR player will take over the following day (2 June) on a three-year deal.
Currently 14th in English football’s third tier, the Cod Army have been managed by John Sheridan since February, with the former Ireland international overseeing five wins, three draws and two defeats to move them out of the bottom four and pushing for a top-half finish.
“I’m very excited by the challenge and the project at Fleetwood Town,” said Barton.
“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.”
Chairman Andy Pilley added: “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”
“He’s someone I’ve known for a number of years and I’m convinced he’s ready to make the step into management, and that he will be a huge success.
“Joey will be able to build-on the fantastic work done by John Sheridan during the last couple of months, one he deserves huge credit for.
“John joined us on a short term arrangement with the aim of keeping us in League One and I’m delighted he’s been able to do that.
“Today’s news signals a new chapter for Fleetwood Town which starts on June 2nd, and one which we are all excited about.”
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I bet he cant wait to get started
@John Tanner: Hahaah good man !
@John Tanner: well played sir
Are Fleetwood Town mad or what?! He’ll do his first interview in a Lancashire accent…
How long b4 he slaps one of his players?
@Don Dealgan: within 4 games I’ve bet on it!
I’d imagine this is more of a publicity stunt rather than a serious managerial appointment, I can’t see this ending well!
A real low life in football . Hoped we had seen the last of him after his ban for gambling . Can’t see the Fleetwood fans being too happy with this as he has zero experience , isn’t a very likeable character and also never came across as particularly intelligent or as someone you would expect to see go on to having a coaching career .
@Niall James Fergal McCormack: I wish I could have a fiver with you. He could be a very good manager. He was a hothead when he was younger but he’s obviously an intelligent guy and despite a great career (with a few setbacks obviously), he’s still got a lot to prove. I wouldn’t write him off yet.
@Niall James Fergal McCormack: I would say as footballers go that he has a very high I.Q. and i hope he does well as a manager.
@Derek Durkin: what leads you to believe that ? His ban for betting while being a pro ? The way he stubbed a smoke in a youth players face ? Countless fallings out with team mates and managers ? I’ve got a list as long as my arm of nasty incidents that would literally make your point not only look wrong but actually ridiculous .
Why? I mean like…why? How does he or the club think that this will end in anything but controversy?
John Sheridan was doing an excellent job there. That’s gratitude for the work he’s doing there. Replaced by a complete headcase with no managerial experience.
Can actually see him being a good coach
Have they not seen this shams past history?? He’s a complete s(umbag and a liability.
ARSEHOLE UNITED