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Joey Barton has been sacked as Bristol Rovers boss with the club in 16th place in League One.
The former Premier League star had been in charge of the Pirates for nearly three years, but a rocky start to the season left him clinging to his job. Rovers have won just one of their last five games, leaving them five points above the drop zone.
The club released a statement on Thursday afternoon confirming Barton's departure and announcing Andy Mangan as new interim head coach. "Bristol Rovers Football Club can confirm that today the club has relieved First Team Manager Joey Barton of his duties," the statement read.
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"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."
Barton moved to the Memorial Stadium in February 2021 following a spell in charge of Fleetwood Town. He signed a new three-year contract with the club until 2026 in July last year after guiding the club back into the third tier of English football.
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The Pirates finished 17th in the table last season – eight points above the drop zone. Concerns of stagnation began to set in after the club won just one of their opening seven matches in all competitions.
Their form began to pick up in mid-September, with three wins in four games, but after taking just four points from a possible 12 in October the axe finally swung for Barton. His sacking comes after he called Stevenage boss Steve Evans a "fat man" and a "weeble" following Rovers' 1-1 draw with Boro on Tuesday.
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Barton turned to coaching after hanging up his boots in 2017. The notoriously hot-headed midfielder began his playing career at Manchester City in 2002. He made 153 appearances for the club before moving on to Newcastle in 2007.
Spells at QPR, Burnley and Rangers followed, as did a season-long loan spell in France with Marseille. He also earned one cap for England, coming on a sub in a friendly against Spain in 2007.
- Bristol Rovers FC
- League One
- Breaking News
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