Former Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton appointed Bristol Rovers manager

The former Town boss was relieved of his duties at Highbury at the start of January.

At the time, chairman Andy Pilley said the club wanted to go in a new direction amid unrest within the squad.

Barton has signed a two-year-deal with the Gas, and takes with him his coaching staff from Town of Clint Hill and Andy Mangan.

The 38-year-old has already played his part in a managerial departure from the Memorial Stadium, winning 4-1 away which then resulted in the sacking of Ben Garner.

Paul Tisdale was brought in as his replacement but it proved short lived and he was sacked just under two weeks ago.

Rovers are currently 19th in League One, two points above the relegation zone.

Barton will not be facing Fleetwood this season, with Town winning 4-1 and drawing 0-0 with Rovers in their two games this campaign.

He will however get to reconnect with his former Fylde coast rivals Blackpool in the Gas' last game of the season.

Speaking to the Bristol Rovers website, Club President Wael Al Qadi said: “We are delighted to welcome Joey to Bristol Rovers and look forward to working closely with him to progress our football club forward.

"Joey's experience in the game is matched by his passion for coaching and delivering results, which made him a standout candidate for the role.

"He's got a good knowledge of the league already thanks to his spell at Fleetwood and has shown his credentials at delivering results and getting the best out of the players he works with.

"We are confident that he will be able to continue the ongoing development of the younger players coming through the ranks at the Club and speaking to him, I know his ambitions align with what we want to achieve as a football club.

"I want to wish Joey, the staff and the players the very best of luck for the coming games, as we look to cement our safety in Sky Bet League One and build for the future."