Joey Barton to take up Fleetwood head coach role in June
Joey Barton will take his first steps into management this summer after being appointed head coach of League One side Fleetwood.
The 35-year-old, most recently at Burnley, is currently banned from all football activities after being found guilty of breaching betting rules but his suspension, reduced from 18 months on appeal, expires on June 1.
Fleetwood confirmed the former Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Marseille midfielder will commence his employment the day afterwards.
"I'm very excited by the challenge and the project at Fleetwood Town," Barton told fleetwoodtownfc.com.
✍️ | Fleetwood Town can confirm an agreement has been reached for @Joey7Barton to become the club's new Head Coach as of June 2nd.
— Fleetwood Town FC (@ftfc) April 18, 2018
Full details: https://t.co/ZPz5vAaCOD pic.twitter.com/cQ3BbjqrR7
"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 will replace John Sheridan, who was brought in on a short-term deal until the end of the season when Uwe Rosler was sacked in February.
"This is a huge appointment for Fleetwood Town Football Club and one I'm very excited about," said chairman Andy Pilley.
"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.
"John joined us on a short term arrangement with the aim of keeping us in League One and I'm delighted he's been able to do that.
"Today's news signals a new chapter for Fleetwood Town which starts on June 2, and one which we are all excited about."
