Joey Barton has promised to change how he behaves on social media after beginning his managerial career.
Barton has been unveiled as the new manager of Fleetwood Town and called time on his playing career by signing a three-year contract with the League One side.
Speaking at his first press conference on Monday, the now-former midfielder said: “I have to put Joey Barton the player to bed. Some will argue that’s a very good thing, the death of Joey Barton the player.”
Barton was eligible to return to football this month, after serving a suspension for placing 1,260 bets on football matches over 10 years.
The 35-year-old has never been too far away from controversy in his playing career and his outspoken opinions have landed him in hot water on more than one occasion.
Gutted for the club. To many wankers amongst the playing staff. All brought in by Hughes. Some good lads but not enough. Too many maggots
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 28, 2013
In the past, Barton has used his Twitter account to voice some of those opinions but, with his new responsibilities in representing an entire football club, he has vowed to change his ways.
“I have to alter the way I use social media,” Barton admitted.
“Some things that have worked for me earlier in life would not necessarily work for me now.
“I don’t think I will be the biggest (social media) communicator now. The way I used it as a player would not be the right way to use it now.”
