Barton will begin his new role at Fleetwood once his ban is completed BRADLEY ORMESHER/THE TIMESJoey Barton, one of the most controversial players of his generation, will make his first foray into football management when his lengthy ban for breaching betting regulations expires in June. The 35-year-old will take over as the new head coach of Fleetwood Town, the Sky Bet League One club. He is serving a 13-month ban from football that was imposed for placing 1,260 bets on matches from 2006 to 2016 in contravention of FA rules. The suspension was initially for 18 months but was reduced on appeal. Barton, who will succeed John Sheridan when the present manager leaves at the end of the season, said: “I’m very excited by the challenge and the project at Fleetwood Town.

Source: The Times April 18, 2018 15:56 UTC