Fleetwood Town loanee is grateful to former head coach Joey Barton

Charlie Mulgrew has paid tribute to Joey Barton following his departure as Fleetwood Town head coach.
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Barton’s two-and-a-half-year spell at Highbury, his first role in management, came to an end earlier this month after 128 games in charge.

His time at the helm saw the club reach the League One play-offs last season only to be beaten over two legs by the eventual winners, Wycombe Wanderers.

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Mulgrew was one of Barton’s last signings, arriving on deadline day in October alongside Callum Connolly, after agreeing a season-long loan from Blackburn Rovers.

Charlie Mulgrew was one of Joey Barton's loan signings   Picture: Stephen Buckley/PRiME Media Images LimitedCharlie Mulgrew was one of Joey Barton's loan signings   Picture: Stephen Buckley/PRiME Media Images Limited
Charlie Mulgrew was one of Joey Barton's loan signings Picture: Stephen Buckley/PRiME Media Images Limited

The 34-year-old made 15 appearances under Barton but was grateful to the former Town boss for allowing him to play regularly.

“We’re disappointed the last manager went,” Mulgrew said.

“We wish him all the best. He was great for me and I’m thankful for what he did for me.

“You don’t like to see anybody lose their job. He brought me in, gave me an opportunity, and I enjoyed working under him.

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“I’ve only got positive things to say about Joey Barton. I was disappointed to see him leave.

“That’s football, that’s life. We need to move on and the new manager (Simon Wiles) has come in.”

Barton’s departure saw Town youth team boss Wiles appointed as interim head coach, assisted by Steve Macauley, Barry Nicholson and David Lucas.

They have overseen the club’s return to action, with Covid-19 having meant a two-and-a-half week break following the Boxing Day draw at Crewe Alexandra.

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Since then, Town have played three games in league and cup but have been beaten in all of them.

A Papa John’s Trophy exit at Hull City was followed by the League One losses to Portsmouth and MK Dons.

It leaves them 12th in the table going into tomorrow’s match at Wigan Athletic before games against Northampton Town and Oxford United close out the month.

Though the results have been disappointing, there has been cause for optimism with some of the displays.

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The Town camp felt they could have taken a point from the 1-0 loss to Portsmouth but for missed opportunities.

Mulgrew said: “I’m fully behind him (Wiles) and I’ll give 100 per cent for Fleetwood and for him.

“I’m disappointed we couldn’t get the points (against Portsmouth). We want to do our best for him.

“He’s come in at a difficult time. We’re getting on with it and he’s getting his message across – but it will take time to get it across.

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“It’s only been a week or so and it’s difficult to get a message across, but he’s done really well.

“We need to keep listening and working hard, asking questions how he wants us to play, and it’s up to us to go on the pitch and deliver.”

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