Joey Barton to become Fleetwood Town manager on three-year deal

Former QPR and Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton will take over as manager of Fleetwood Town on June 2, the day after his suspension from football ends.

Barton has agreed a three-year contract to take charge at the League One side, who currently sit eight points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining in their season.

The 35-year-old said: “I’m very excited by the challenge and the project at Fleetwood Town.

“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 2.”

Barton has been suspended from football since April 2017 after being found to have broken FA rules by placing 1,260 bets on matches between March 26 2006 and May 13 2016.

The FA initially handed him an 18 month ban but it was successfully reduced on appeal, freeing Barton, whose playing career ended with Burnley, to take over on June 2.

Fleetwood 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.”