Joey Barton returns to football management with Bristol Rovers

Barton is back in management

Joey Barton has been appointed as the new manager of Bristol Rovers, the club has confirmed. The 38-year-old left Fleetwood Town at the start of January after nearly three years at the club and has now agreed a contract until 2023 at the Memorial Stadium. https://twitter.com/Official_BRFC/status/1363809475300372480 Barton, whose playing career saw him represent Manchester City, Newcastle, Burnley and Rangers, becomes the third manager at Rovers this season. Paul Tisdale left the club after less than three months at the helm earlier this month, having replaced Ben Garner in November. Rovers currently sit just two points above the League One relegation zone having won only once in their last 12 games.

"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," the club's president, Wael Al Qadi, is quoted as saying on the club website.

"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 brings Clint Hill and Andy Mangan with him to the club, taking the roles of Assistant Manager and First Team coach respectively.