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Joey Barton leaves Fleetwood Town

Fleetwood's youth team boss Simon Wiles appointed interim manager; Joey Barton's coaching staff, Clint Hill and Andy Mangan, were also relieved of their duties along with director of football Eddy Jennings; Barton's last game in charge was Saturday's 1-1 league draw at Crewe

Joey Barton is no longer Fleetwood Town manager
Image: Joey Barton is no longer Fleetwood Town manager

Fleetwood Town have parted company with manager Joey Barton.

Barton's coaching staff, Clint Hill and Andy Mangan, were also relieved of their duties along with director of football Eddy Jennings.

The club's youth team boss Simon Wiles has been appointed interim manager, and will be assisted by Steve Macauley and Barry Nicholson along with goalkeeping coach Dave Lucas

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."

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League One match between Crewe and Fleetwood

Barton issued a statement on Tuesday saying: "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-a-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.

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"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."

Barton joined Fleetwood in April 2018 and leaves them 10th in Sky Bet League One
Image: Barton joined Fleetwood in April 2018 and leaves them 10th in Sky Bet League One

Fleetwood reached the League One play-offs last season under Barton, but lost 6-3 on aggregate to Wycombe in the semi-finals.

Barton, who was appointed Fleetwood boss in April 2018, leaves with the club 10th in League One, just three points off the play-off places, with 20 matches played this season.

The former Newcastle, Manchester City and QPR midfielder had seen his side manage just one win in their previous eight games, losing twice and drawing five of those.

Barton's final game in charge was Saturday's 1-1 draw at Crewe. Fleetwood went ahead through Wes Burns, but Mikael Mandron's equaliser - and ninth goal of the season - ensured The Cod Army's wait for a win went on.

Fleetwood's key problem in their recent run of poor form has been a lack of goals, with only four scored in the previous eight matches.

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