JOEY BARTON has been sacked by Fleetwood at the end of his first crack at management.
The Cod Army axed Barton after chairman Andy Pilley spent a few days reviewing the background of his fall out with striker Ched Evans.
Joey Barton has been sacked by Fleetwood TownCredit: Rex Features
Owner Pilley is in South Africa but has been looking into the Evans affair and is a known fan of the striker.
Barton revealed he was letting Evans go after alleged disciplinary breaches, but Pilley was then left to clear up the mess – with Preston keen to sign him.
Pilley has backed Barton in controversies in the past, but this has been the final episode. And it also comes on the top of indifferent results.
Fleetwood were tipped for promotion this season but they are off the pace despite signing experienced players to add to the squad that missed out in the play offs last season.
A Fleetwood 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.”
Evans had been looking for a way out of Fleetwood after a reported fallout with Barton.
His manager said last month: “He’s no longer with us and he’ll leave the building due to his discipline and his behaviour.
“There’s been multiple infractions and we always try to give a bit of leeway but it’s just run its course.”
Joey Barton had a reported fall out with Ched EvansCredit: PA:Press Association
Evans was originally convicted of raping a 19-year-old woman in Rhyl, Denbighshire, in May 2011 following a trial.
He was playing for Sheffield United at the time, who he scored 48 times for in 124 appearances, and was believed to be earning £18,000-a-week.
However, a Court of Appeal quashed his conviction and ordered a retrial in 2016.
A team of private investigators offered a £50,000 reward for any new information to help his case as they gathered new evidence.
A jury at Cardiff Crown Court then heard from two men who had had sexual relations with the complainant around the same period as the rape allegation.
Evans was found not guilty of the charge following the eight-day trial in less than three hours by the jury.
He then reached an out-of-court settlement, believed to be six-figures, with his original defence team over their handling of the case.
Barton, 38, had been in charge of the League One side since the summer of 2018.
He played for the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Burnley during a controversial playing career.
His only England cap came off the bench against Spain in 2007.
Ched Evans reveals vicious abuse he receives in first major interview since returning to football
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
