Joey Barton breaks his silence after being sacked as first team manager by Fleetwood Town earlier this week on Monday afternoon.
The Cod Army occupy 10th place in the League One table, taking 29 points from 20 games played for the 2020/21 season so far.
The tough decision from chairman Andy Pilley came about following a reported bust-up between Barton and striker Ched Evans, which led to Barton axing the forward from the squad due to poor discipline and a comedy act that the player did which left the ex-Newcastle player unamused.
A brief club statement on Monday confirmed Barton’s departure: “Fleetwood Town can confirm manager Joey Barton has left the club with immediate effect.
“We would like to thank Joey for his work during his time at Highbury Stadium and wish him success in the future.”
Fans could only assume that the statement was so short because possibly something else has happened behind the scenes, or the Ched Evans situation was enough to give Barton and co the chop.
Fleetwood owner Andy Pilley then took to Twitter, writing: “I’d like to put on record my thanks to Joey Barton for job he’s done during his time at @ftfc. I’m sure he will go on to have a hugely successful career.
“Today’s decision was a tough one for me to make, but I felt now was the right time for the club to go in a different direction.”
— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) January 5, 2021
The 38-year-old has since released a statement, via the League Managers Assocation, which reads as follows.
“First of all I would like to thank the chairman Andy Pilley for the opportunity to manage Fleetwood Town. I have enjoyed every minute of my time at the club. I have learned so much over the past two and half years. There are some brilliant people at Fleetwood Town and I have enjoyed getting to know every one of them.
“I would also like to thank all of the coaching staff, both the ones I inherited and the ones I brought in. It has been some journey with some highs and lows and I have really enjoyed watching each of them get better every single day.
“I would like to thank the fans and say that I appreciate you sticking with me in my first management role. I am not naive enough to think I always got it right, but my only intention during my tenure was to drive this football club forward. I have nothing but good things to say about the people of Fleetwood and the surrounding community. I was welcomed from day one.
“To the players, thanks to each of you for bringing it every day. Nobody enjoyed playing against Fleetwood Town and ultimately that is down to you. Thanks for being patient with me on my coaching journey. I look forward to watching you as you continue to improve.
“It is tough times for everybody at the moment with all that is going on in the world. I am just a football manager who has lost his job, there are plenty of people who were much better than me at theirs that have lost them over the past 12 months.
“I will use this time out to keep getting better, until the next opportunity comes.
“All the best for 2021.”
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Fans reacted Joey Barton breaks his silence after being sacked by Fleetwood
@Vinch12345: Anyone read this in Joey’s french accent?
@SwimGarySwim: Bell end, stay well clear of #swfc please
@swainyFTM: This the first time you have spoken without bringing up Sunderland?
@nickdemarco_: All the best Joe – you did a great job in your first management role – getting Fleetwood in play offs last season. Sure there is more and better to come! Best to Mangs and @clinthill29 too!
@ftfcknappers: Thank you for everything Joey. 4-0 win at Doncaster, 5-0 at Scunthorpe, beating Blackpool, play offs. A lot of nice memories. Thank you. Nothing but best wishes. Hope to see you progress in the game
@CodsChat: That first win over Blackpool will always be remembered. All the best Joey
@JackHarding24: Thanks for everything Joey. The 4-0 away at Donny, the 3-2 at home to Blackpool, the 2-1 against Sunderland are all remembered fondly. Wish you the best for the future. I’m sure you’ll go to the top.
@BarryBaggley: Wish you all the best in your next adventure and always be thankful for everything you done for my son
@powellBFC93: Who did you punch joey because you’ve definitely not been potted due to league position
@Meach86: Bring the podcast back Joey! Would love to hear some of your experiences whilst you were at Fleetwood
@Thisismkt: Come to Birmingham City son! Most of the players need a good smack to get them to perform!!!!
@Ryancurwen: I’m sure if you give Dyche a bell he would find a spot for you in his coaching staff. Match made in heaven!
@Awoogatron: Great statement – fair play! Safe to say you performed significantly better than many people expected you to and for that you deserve huge credit. Fleetwood are punching above their weight without question. I wish you all the best in whatever comes next. Stay safe
@sampatterson19: Classy message to fans/people of fleetwood. Also showing he doesn’t need sympathy shows he’s actually in touch with normal folk
@benridley10: Next Wednesday manager please Joey
@deansimcock: @Joey7Barton we need a new gaffer at vale if you fancy it the team needs a shake up and we definitely need abit of fight in us all the best for 21 pal
Come to Newcastle Joey save us from relegation pic.twitter.com/oqFZxZ3I8I
— Jack 🇸🇦 (@jchaytor16) January 5, 2021
NOboDy eNJoyEd pLaYINg aGaiNST FLeETwoOd. pic.twitter.com/xLo9gxKaSb
— Declan Morrow (@DeclanMorrow) January 5, 2021
Shows pure class to release a statement like that. Genuinely a fantastic football man who was fantastic in helping the profile of the football club especially within the community.
Good luck with you’re next venture, bound to be a huge success
— Mike Tally (@TallyLad) January 5, 2021
Would love to see you manage @IpswichTown you’d shake up that piss poor dressing room mentality.
— Smiffy 73 (@Brooks19732001) January 5, 2021
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