Joey Barton appointed manager of League One Fleetwood Town | OneFootball

Joey Barton will become the new manager of League One side Fleetwood Town on 2 June.

The former Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Marseille, Burnley and Rangers midfielder has been out of the game since he was banned for 18 months after admitting a Football Association charge related to betting offences in April 2017. This will be his first foray into management.

“I’m very excited by the challenge and the project at Fleetwood Town,” the 35-year-old told Fleetwood’s official website.

“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 has signed a three-year contract and will replace John Sheridan in the Highbury hot-seat, who took over in February following Uwe Rösler’s dismissal.

The one-time England international’s ban – which came after he was found to have placed 1,260 bets on matches during a 10-year period – will expire on 1st June.

In 2012, Barton almost joined Fleetwood as a player on loan from QPR while he was due to serve a 12-match ban for violent conduct.

Cod Army 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.

“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 2nd, and one which we are all excited about.”