Joey Barton to face Sunderland again after being named Bristol Rovers manager

Joey Barton has returned to management after being appointed boss of League One strugglers Bristol Rovers.

By Ross Gregory

Published 22nd Feb 2021, 11:46 BST

Joey Barton is the new Bristol Rovers manager.

Barton, who parted company with Fleetwood Town earlier this season, has been given a contract until 2023 with the Gas.

The 38-year-old succeeds Paul Tisdale in charge after he was sacked on February 10, with the Gas mired in a relegation battle.

"We are delighted to welcome Joey to Bristol Rovers and look forward to working closely with him to progress our football club forward," Rovers' president Wael Al-Qadi said.

"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."

Barton guided Fleetwood to the League One play-offs last season, where they eventually lost to Wycombe Wanderers. He left Fleetwood last month.

The former Newcastle United midfielder has had plenty clashes with Sunderland in the past, both as player and manager, and will come up against his old rivals again on March 27.