Five things we can expect from former Manchester City and Burnley footballer Joey Barton's reign at Fleetwood Town

He is one of the most controversial figures in English football but what can we expect from Joey Barton's reign at Fleetwood Town?
New Fleetwood head coach Joey BartonNew Fleetwood head coach Joey Barton
New Fleetwood head coach Joey Barton

The Gazette's Fleetwood Town reporter Rosie Swarbrick gives us the low down on what the Cod Army could encounter when Barton takes on his first ever managerial role in the 2018/19 season.

John Sheridan has guided Town to League One safety but his short term deal will not be extended with Barton, 35 set to take over when his suspension from football ends on June 1.

So what could be on the horizon at Highbury?

1. Controversy, controversy and a tad more controversy?

It is Joey Barton, THE Joey Barton. Need I say any more?

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2. That three year deal says the backing of Town chairman Andy Pilley

To any Fleetwood fans doubting the appointment or raising a questionable eyebrow at it, I’d wholly recommend you read Barton’s autobiography.

By coincidence I read it last summer, with no thoughts that a year later it would not be Uwe Rosler but Barton himself at the helm of Fleetwood Town.

In his book he speaks eloquently about his time in football, warts and all, about all of his trials and tribulations as well as the good stuff.

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There is some great content on his time at Burnley and his deep praise of the work that Sean Dyche has done there, so it would be no surprise if Joey Barton the manager draws on his time working under the Clarets boss.

While many can be swayed by the negative headlines, it is important to remember that Barton was and is still an extremely talented footballer with an excellent football brain.

He’s come from a working-class background, like chairman Andy Pilley, who is astute at making managerial decisions.

Micky Mellon clinched promotion, so did Graham Alexander, with Steven Pressley then coming in to do the job he was asked to – keep Fleetwood in League One.

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Uwe Rosler was next at the helm, going above and beyond everyone’s expectations to nearly guide Fleetwood to the Championship before his tenure derailed earlier this year,

Then that decision to appoint John Sheridan looks a masterstroke. The Shez-urrection is all but complete and many will be sad to see the new boss go.

It would not have been a surprise had Sheridan been given the nod full-time, but it is a case of job done.

With Fleetwood’s survival secured, Pilley has now opted to go down the route he did with Mellon and Alexander in giving a fresh, hungry and dynamic coach their first shot at management.

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It will not be easy. Uwe Rosler, an experienced head coach, found that out.

But it is a young crop he will be taking over, one that will have grown up watching Barton play and will respect him from the off, not just given that famous temper but because of his footballing and technical ability.

And Pilley feels he has the potential to be one of the best in the new generation of coaches, his intent made clear with a three-year deal.

Pilley said: “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”

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“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 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.

“Today’s news signals a new chapter for Fleetwood Town, which starts on June 2, and one which we are all excited about.”

3. He will manage his own way, according to Sean Dyche.

Burnley boss Dyche is Barton’s last manager and made the midfielder a key cog in the Clarets’ promotion.

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Burton left Burnley for a controversial stint at Rangers before returning to Turf Moor for a second spell prior to his ban.

And although the Liverpudlian might not have his UEFA coaching badges, Dyche backed Barton to go into management last year.

Speaking to the Burnley Express, Dyche said: “He’s got a lot of experience to reflect on from different managers and coaches and environment. There’s already a depth of knowledge on the coaching side. Whether he chooses to go down that route is for him to decide.

“Ther are traits in him and an understanding of the business, off the pitch as well as on it.

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“There are so many different types of people that manage clubs, and coaching is the same.

“There are so many different ways of doing it that I don’t think there is a right way. There’s no doubt that Joey would have his own way of doing it, that’s one thing I’m 99.9 per cent sure of.”

4. An appearance on the football pitch?

The midfielder has not officially hung up his boots.

Barton is banned from all participation in the game until June 2 and he may still get to wear that red and white sTown trip.

Back in 2012, before QPR opted to loan him to French side Marseille, he trained with then League Two side Town.

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He never actually played for the club, but with no decision confirmed as to whether he will be registered as a player for next season, we could finally see Barton kick a ball for Town.

5. No comments on Fleetwood Town... for now.

We can expect silence from Barton about all things Fleetwood Town but not about football in general.

So you might still hear his views on TalkSPORT but he is unable to comment on his new role under the terms of his ban.

The club had to gain special permission from the FA just to publish those few lines that have been buzzing across the globe.

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So: “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.”

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That’s all we will hear from Barton on his new role at Fleetwood until June 2, though we could still hear his thoughts on everything else under the sun...

So no line on what he expects, his aims, how he is going to tackle life in League One...

We will have to wait for that but it will surely be worth the wait.

Prepare for a rollercoaster.... It is going to be one hell of a ride!

We went from chalk to cheese with Rosler to Sheridan and now it seems it’s all change again.