Fleetwood boss Joey Barton says: Now everyone realises how important fans are

There is frustration for Joey Barton and all at Fleetwood Town as the wait goes on for fans to return to Highbury and to professional football grounds across Lancashire.
Footballers without crowds like musicians in an empty concert hall says Joey BartonFootballers without crowds like musicians in an empty concert hall says Joey Barton
Footballers without crowds like musicians in an empty concert hall says Joey Barton
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Fleetwood defence gives perfect platform for boss Joey Barton

The county remains in tier three, the government announced yesterday, dashing Fleetwood’s plans to allow some of the Cod Army faithful into Highbury for tomorrow’s League One clash with Wigan Athletic.

The club had been planning a ‘test’ event, with a limited number of Onward Card holders present.

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However, a club statement yesterday afternoon reads: “The club are desperately disappointed with the news and will continue to plan for a test event when the area falls into either a tier two or tier one category.”

Town have played in front of 2,000 fans at both their away games over the past week, with Swindon Town and Portsmouth in tier two.

Town head coach Barton is anxious for the fans to share in this most promising season with his team.

He said:“You can’t play with empty stadiums. We think we have a good football team and our fans are chomping at the bit to watch it.

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“We went to Portsmouth last year and drew 2-2 and it was rocking, and those are the atmospheres I think players really thrive on. They can find extra gears.”

The 38-year-old does admit there are benefits to not having spectators at games, with less pressure.

Barton thinks coaches are able to do more fine-tuning during a game in a quieter ground.

But Barton is convinced the value of fans has been clear for all to see in their absence.

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He said: “For a coach it’s a lot easier with no fans because you can get a lot more information onto the pitch.

“And away from home you haven’t got referees being pressurised by big home support, so it can work both ways.

“But when Paddy Madden scored at the weekend, you want to run towards fans because you want people to see you doing your work.

“It’s almost like being a musician at an empty concert hall. Who wants that?

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“The one positive thing that could come out of coronavirus is football’s appreciation for its supporters.

“I think we all know now how important the people who pay to watch football matches are.”

The date of Fleetwood’s third-round tie at Hull City in the Papa John’s Trophy has been confirmed. The match will take place on Tuesday, January 12, with a 7pm kick-off.