Fleetwood Town captain Paul Coutts impressed by Joey Barton as he ponders future in coaching

Midfielder Coutts, 31, has his coaching badges but remains focused on playing in the hope Town can complete their League One season on the field.

Fleetwood’s captain has certainly been impressed by head coach Barton since moving to Highbury last summer after four and a half years with Sheffield United.

Coutts told The Gazette: “He’s an infectious character and good to be around. He has lots of knowledge he’s trying to pass on to all the players.

“Everyone in the building he’s trying to improve, staff and players. He’s trying to get us all to the highest level and to give us the best chance to perform. It’s been brilliant and I’ve really enjoyed it.

“As a senior player working with a young manager, we aren’t too far apart in our journeys, so it’s been really interesting for me to see how he’s gone from playing to coaching.”

Whether Coutts’ own journey will follow a similar route is not yet clear, though he has set the wheels in motion.

He explained: “I did my UEFA B licence two years ago at Sheffield United, but I think you have to be in the right place at the right time or you need a break as a young coach.

“It’s not something I’ve decided on either way, but I thought I’d be best getting my qualifications while I’m involved so I’m ready if I end up going down that road.”

Another who has travelled down that route is Fleetwood coach Barry Nicholson, a former team-mate of Coutts at Preston North End.

The former Scotland Under-21 international added: “I’ve played with Baz and he’s one of the nicest guys in football but also a really good coach.

“He’s been here with a couple of managers and he’s one of the genuine good guys of football.

“He’s really enthusiastic and one of those people you want to be around.

“It’s always hard to tell who is going to go into coaching but everyone always got on with Baz and respected him.”