the sacking of Joey Barton headache for northampton
Bristol Rovers have sacked manager Joey Barton ahead of their match with Northampton Town on Saturday (28/10).
Barton, 41, leaves the Pirates after 3 years in charge at the Memorial Stadium, with his dismissal coming after Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Stevenage.
The former Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Marseille player had taken over at Bristol Rovers in 2021, and although he was unable to keep Rovers in the third tier in his first few months, he did manage to win an instant return from League Two, infamously pipping Northampton to third place and the final automatic promotion place on the final day of the 2021/22 season.
Barton’s team finished 17th in the third tier last season and the team were sat in 16th place when today’s news was revealed. The team had won one of their last five games before electing to change manager.
In a brief statement, Rovers said, “Bristol Rovers Football Club can confirm that today the club has relieved First Team Manager Joey Barton of his duties.
“Everyone at the club would like to thank Joey for all his efforts and wish him well in the future.
“In the interim, Andy Mangan will lead the team supported by Glenn Whelan, Danny Ventre and Anssi Jaakkola who will remain in post.”
Northampton travel to the Memorial Stadium on Saturday, with the Cobblers knowing a win would see them leapfrog Bristol Rovers in the table.
