Joey Barton has agreed terms with Bristol Rovers to become their new manager, according to Football Insider.

The former Premier League footballer only departed Fleetwood last month, but he's found himself in another League One role already.

The 38-year-old is said to have been offered the job during the week and details have now been agreed on, with just an official signing needed to be completed.

It represents a third man in charge of the Gas on a permanent basis this season, with Ben Garner starting out the season at the helm at the Memorial Stadium.

The former West Brom first-team coach departed in November after less than a year in charge, and he was replaced by experienced ex-MK Dons and Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale.

 

 

 

 

That appointment didn't work out either, with Tisdale winning just three out of 15 league games before being potted earlier in the month.

Barton represents a new direction for Rovers to be going in, but he has good pedigree already in his career, having been in charge at the Cod Army for tw0-and-a-half years.

With almost a 40% win ratio (per soccerbase) at the Lancashire club and having got them to the League One play offs last season, Barton is walking straight back into a third tier job after nearly a two-month break.

The Verdict

Based on his managerial abilities alone, this looks like a strong appointment for Rovers, but there will no doubt be fan resentment because of Barton's morally questionable character that has been shown in the past.

There also could be an issue later in the year when Barton stands trial in June for an alleged ABH on ex-Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel, and if Barton is found guilty then his job at the Gas could be over before it's really started.

Putting that aside though, Barton will need to get to work very quickly with the team, who are languishing in 19th position in League One although interim boss Tommy Widdrington led them to a brilliant victory over Portsmouth in midweek, which is a cause for optimism and something for Barton to work with immediately.