Fans’ reaction as Barton confirmed as Bristol Rovers manager

Joey Barton has been confirmed as the new manager of Bristol Rovers, signing with the club until 2023.

Barton’s appointment has been welcomed with both enthusiasm and dismay by Gasheads, with some praising the board for the bold appointment and others only seeing the controversial 38-year-old’s reign ending in disharmony.

Barton’s first match in charge will be on Tuesday when Wigan Athletic visit the Memorial Stadium.

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Barton also brings Clint Hill and Andy Mangan to Rovers as assistant manager and first team coach respectively, with the current coaching staff of Kevin Maher and Jack Mesure forming part of the backroom staff.

Rovers 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.”

Joey Barton with Clint Hill (left) and Andy Mangan (right) – photo: JMP

Writing on Facebook, Mark Watkins said that he will give Barton “a clean slate”. He said: “Judge him on success and how the team perform. Who he brings in. Football matters and not personal matters. I think football wise he will be successful given the backing by the board. Without backing he will fail like the last couple of managers. If he misbehaves then let the club deal with it as they see fit.”

Chris Brown said: “Barton is a strange appointment by Al Qadi and seems totally at odds with his philosophy and way of running a club – I hope he’s appointed him with his head and not his heart but I just get the feeling he’s done it to appease the fans who were (rightly so) baying for a manager with a bit of fire and passion, well he’s certainly got that with Barton. He gets my backing but I wouldn’t be surprised if this one ends in tears as well – buckle up because it certainly won’t be a gentle ride.”

@Jaryd07 tweeted: “Can’t say I’m happy with the appointment, just don’t think this will end well at all – especially with his court case coming up. But this is my club, I’ll back the boys on the pitch as I always have. Just hope to god JB keeps his attitude in check and doesn’t embarrass the club.”

Stephen Foulkes added: “Good luck Joey! If you improve results this season and next you’ll find the fans (a passionate bunch) swinging in behind you – even those doubtful today.”

Barton will be taking charge of his first Rovers game at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday – photo: Martin Booth

Main photo: JMP

Read more: Joey Barton set to become Rovers’ fifth manager in three years