League One club Bristol Rovers sacks Joey ​Barton as manager

Bristol Rovers on Thursday said that Joey Barton has been sacked as the manager of the club.

The 41-year-old former Manchester City, Newcastle and England midfielder moved to the Memorial Stadium in February, serving in-charge of Bristol Rovers for almost three years.

"Bristol Rovers Football Club can confirm that today the club has relieved First Team Manager Joey Barton of his duties," the football club said in a statement.


The club has named Andy Mangan as the interim manager, who will be in-charge of the Saturday game against Northampton.

"In the interim, Andy Mangan will lead the team supported by Glenn Whelan, Danny Ventre and Anssi Jaakkola who will remain in post. Everyone at the club would like to thank Joey for all his efforts and wish him well in the future," it further said.

Rovers are 16th on the EFL League One table and have been declared winner in one of their past five matches, while registering four league wins all season. The club is the fifth league one side to change manager this season. Earlier, Fleetwood Town, Charlton Athletic, Lincoln City and Cheltenham Town named new managers.

In July last year, Barton signed a three-year contract extension with the club until 2026 following a third tier promotion and 17th spot on the table last season.

This campaign, however, the league one side has won only four of 13 league matches, with five losses and four draws.