Wednesday 18 April 2018 23:47, UK
Joey Barton will need an experienced assistant with him when he begins his managerial career at Fleetwood in the summer, says former Liverpool midfielder Steve McMahon.
Barton has been appointed as head coach of the League One side and will take charge of the club when his ban from football ends on June 2.
McMahon, who had spells in charge of Swindon and Blackpool, thinks the former Manchester City, Newcastle and Burnley player's first task should be to appoint a strong character, who can give him advice as he embarks on his first role as a coach.
Speaking on The Debate, McMahon said: "His next move should be to ask, who do I bring with me? Now that's very important.
"He's got to get a strong person who has been in that league, who has coached and has experience. He needs a person who knows what he's doing so that he can go and ask him questions.
"It needs to be someone who's strong enough and someone who the players respect. He needs a strong character next to him who can say stop, don't do this.
"He needs someone he can take advice off. He can't get a young friend or an up and coming coach with him. He can't do that because he's going to make a mistake.
"If I can give him any advice you need to have someone with you who's been around the block a bit and can tell you like it is rather than just yes boss."
Barton was banned by the FA last year after being found guilty of breaching betting rules but will start his new role with Fleetwood once that ban expires in the summer after signing a three-year deal at Highbury Stadium.
"I hope he does well but at the same time this is a big step for both Fleetwood and for him."
Bellamy, who is learning his trade as a coach, cutting his teeth with younger age groups, thinks the appointment is a big step for both Fleetwood and Barton.
I've never heard anything of the sort that he wanted to become a manager or he was looking to go into that side of the game," he told The Debate. "I was very surprised.
"I can only talk about my own experience, I felt going into a younger age group, with the temperament I have as well, would serve me best in the long run.
"He hasn't done that, he's gone straight into full-time management. He knows more than me whether he's suited to it or not and that's what he wants to do straight away, but at the end of the day I hope he does well but at the same time this is a big step for both Fleetwood and for him."
