Fleetwood boss Joey Barton says: I despise football without supporters

The last time Fleetwood Town played in front of a crowd was on March 10 – the 2-2 draw at Portsmouth. They have since played two play-off semi-finals against Wycombe Wanderers behind closed doors.

Barton and his squad only returned to training at Poolfoot Farm this week but they have been busy in the transfer market, making three permanent deals.

Glenn Whelan’s one-year deal was the first to be announced, followed by fellow midfielders Callum Camps and Jordan Rossiter after their contracts expired at Rochdale and Rangers respectively.

After being forced to spend time away from the fan play no atmosphere, Barton believes there will be a greater admiration for supporters.

The head coach told Sky Sports: “I can’t watch sport the same and don’t have the same interaction with sport without the fans.

“The sooner we can get fans back in the stadium, even if they are giving you stick, the better. Get them back in because we need that atmosphere.

“I despise football without fans and I think everybody to a man now fully appreciates what a fan paying to come to a stadium and support his team is all about.

I think one thing we will get out of this is an incredible respect for the sports fans in a stadium.”