Ex-Rangers midfielder Joey Barton exits as Fleetwood Town manager with 'immediate effect'

Former Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has left Fleetwood Town. Picture: SNS

A 36-word statement from the League One club confirmed the parting of ways.

The Lancashire side are currently 10th in the league, only three points off the play-off positions.

The statement read: “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.”

Barton took charge of the club in 2018 and has been in charge for more than 120 matches, earning a win percentage of just under 40 per cent.

In his first season Fleetwood finished 11th before reaching the play-offs last campaign.

The 38-year-old, who played just eight games for Rangers, hit the headlines in 2019 when South Yorkshire Police launched an investigation after it was alleged that he had assaulted former Hearts boss Daniel Stendel when he was in charge of Barnsley.