Joey Barton to take over as manager at Fleetwood Town on three-year deal

Joey Barton will take over as head coach of Fleetwood Town at the end of the season, the club has confirmed.

The 35-year-old has signed a three-year contract from 2 June - one day on from when his suspension for breaking Football Association betting rules expires.

The former Manchester City, QPR and Burnley player is taking on his first role in management and replaces John Sheridan, who was brought in on a short-term deal until the end of the season when Uwe Rosler was sacked in February.

“I’m very excited by the challenge and the project at Fleetwood Town,” he said.

“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."

Barton was banned from all "football activity" for 18 months in April of last year after being charged with placing 1,260 bets on football matches or competitions from 2006 to 2016.

He later appealed the charge and saw his ban reduced by five months, enabling him to return to football on 1 June.

Chairman Andy Pilley expressed his delight at Barton's appointment, saying: “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."