Joey Barton doesn't want to waste Fleetwood Town's funds

Barton is taking a careful approach to the transfer market by giving his youngsters a chance to prove their abilities before he looks elsewhere – but he is encouraging Town’s scouts to explore new avenues in assembling the best possible crop of players.

That search has seen Barton’s former Glasgow Rangers team-mate, midfielder Jason Holt, join on a season-long loan deal from the Ibrox club.

Town are also continuing a pattern they started last January with the arrivals of Paddy Madden and Toumani Diagouraga by shopping for established, experienced men in addition to youngsters like teenager Eddie Clarke, who made the move from Tranmere Rovers.

One of those older players is Craig Morgan, who has been joined by loan pair Tommy Spurr (Preston North End) and Lewie Coyle (Leeds United).

Heading out of Highbury though are midfielders Victor Nirennold and Markus Schwabl after both had their contracts terminated by mutual consent.

Speaking on signings and his input, Barton said: “Holty adds quality to the group and we are always looking to add quality.

“When I spoke to the recruitment guys I was like: ‘Have you scouted Glasgow Rangers?’ and they were like: ‘No because we don’t usually recruit from them,’ but we do now and we are delighted to have Holty with us.

“He is a very good player and for whatever reason he is available.

“I was the first on the phone to him and I think that helped us out massively because he said, ‘you were on the phone, you wanted us.’

“We have got to be that way because we are not Glasgow Rangers, we are not some of the big clubs like the Man Citys and that where our name will just allow us to get whatever player we want.

“We have to be creative and show people love; we have got to care about the people we get in the building.

“We have got to do things differently; getting Holty over the line was a real good coup for us I feel.

“He will get you off your seats because he is a good little player, I know because I have trained with him.

“You have probably watched him, he gives us everything, runs through brick walls.

“Craig Morgan is another good signing with a leadership profile.

“Nobody will come to this football club that we would not put our name to.

“I would not be doing my job correctly if I just spent Andy’s money.

“I’ve been putting him off spending money because I’ve said: ‘I would not be spending my money on him.’

“So it is very rare you get a manager saying that to his chairman – he is usually trying to get him to empty his pockets – so it is quite refreshing!

“I’m a working class lad, I don’t believe you should waste money!”

Town are taking care with their recruitment process as ex-Sheffield United midfielder James Wallace, whose contract at Tranmere Rovers expires this summer continues to prove his fitness.

The Everton youth academy product is yet to get a 30-game season in the Football League, much like his fellow ex-Evertonian and current Town striker Conor McAleny.

Although Barton has been impressed with his application, the club is being cautious given that injury history.

Barton said: “I’ve seen the lads up close; we had James Wallace who has been at Sheffield United and a few other clubs on trial and he has done really well.”