Joey Barton: Proud Fleetwood record against Sunderland shows how far we've come

Joey Barton is proud that his Fleetwood Town side maintained their unbeaten record against Sunderland under his management, saying it shows how far the club has progressed.
Andy Pilley gives an interview ahead of Friday's televised game, and Joey Barton praised his chairman's efforts in elevating Fleetwood to the same level as SunderlandAndy Pilley gives an interview ahead of Friday's televised game, and Joey Barton praised his chairman's efforts in elevating Fleetwood to the same level as Sunderland
Andy Pilley gives an interview ahead of Friday's televised game, and Joey Barton praised his chairman's efforts in elevating Fleetwood to the same level as Sunderland
Read More
Captain Connolly was found his home says Joey Barton

Friday's Highbury encounter was the fifth League One meeting between the clubs since Barton became Town's head coach in summer 2018 and the fourth 1-1 draw.

The other league match, in April last year, looked set to produce the same scoreline until Ash Eastham won it for Town in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Fleetwood were also 2-1 winners when the clubs met in the EFL Trophy at Highbury three weeks ago.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sunderland stand below seventh-placed Fleetwood on goal difference after five games without a win and that isn't good enough for the Sunderland board, who sacked manager Phil Parkinson on Sunday.

Barton said of his team's record against the Black Cats: "Six times we've played them and we haven't suffered a defeat, so if you are playing sides like Sunderland and you don't lose you have to be pleased with that based on their financial capability compared to ours.

"The salary cap goes a way towards narrowing that gap, but when you look at our coaching staff and our players, we can stand proud and think, 'OK, we're ready to give you a game.' "That's a huge credit to the hard work put in right across the club to give us a platform to compete with those big boys.

"It shows how far we've come as a football club from the tiers Andy Pilley (chairman) and Steve Curwood (chief executive) have managed to navigate the club through."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Parkinson is the second League One manager to lose his job this month in the immediate aftermath of a clash with Fleetwood.

Two weeks earlier Bristol Rovers had dismissed Ben Garner barely an hour after their 4-1 home defeat to Barton's side.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here.