One of the most controversial players of his generation, Joey Barton, is heading into football management.
He will take over as manager of Fleetwood Town on June 2nd, as he is currently not allowed to work in football due to his suspension for betting on football while still a player.
The 35-year-old has signed a three-year contract
It will be the former Manchester City midfielder’s first managerial role, although Fleetwood have said his official title is “head coach”.
In April last year Barton was banned for 18 months after breaching FA betting rules. The reaction on Twitter has been something of a shock.
Barton is very excited to take over the role saying: “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 2nd.”
To be fair Fleetwood are upgrading from a poor man's Joey Barton to a Joey Barton
— Rodney Marques (@Rodney_Marques) April 18, 2018
ten pound on joey Barton being sacked by Xmas , easy money
— ianj40 (@ianj38) April 18, 2018
Joey Barton has been appointed as the new head coach of Fleetwood Town ?
Now's a good a time as any to repost the video of his classic French accent ?? pic.twitter.com/6P30nkO5kh— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) April 18, 2018
? SCENES!
Joey Barton will become Fleetwood Town's new Head Coach as of June 2nd.
What could possibly go wrong? #FTFC pic.twitter.com/hE4FDAx64z
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) April 18, 2018
On a day where things are changing very, very fast it is always important to remember this simple fact.
If Joey Barton can become manager of a football club, any dream you have (no matter how big, crazy or plain stupid it might feel) can come true: https://t.co/R6U4f2SKVV
— Chris Darwen // RDM (@chrisdarwenrdm) April 18, 2018
Joey Barton taking over at Fleetwood is the only time when throwing objects at the opposition coach is justified and widely encouraged.
— Tim Bolton (@timbolton1) April 18, 2018
