Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has denied any links that bookies might have between his team and the vacant post of manager in Preston’s North End.The former Burnley midfielder and Fleetwood Town boss took over as the manager of the Gas in the month of October, following his departure from the Cod Army.
In the time since Alex Neil left PNE last week, after a period of three and a half seasons, the favorite to take over to take over the North End job has changed constantly.Frankie McAvoy, Neil’s assistant – will be interim head coach until the end of the eight games. Club sources have informed LancsLive that, if he is successful, then he’ll remain at Deepdale.
Barton was declared the top contender after the bookies’ announcement last week’s odds, while Nicky Butt, Gareth Ainsworth, Grant McCann and others seeing their odds increase as well as fall.In view of those link, Barton was quizzed on his future plans and offered an reassuring answer to Bristol Rovers supporters.
Joey Barton has issued an absolute denial of any linkage to his empty Preston North End job and repeatedly reiterated his intention to remain at Bristol Rovers long-term and deliver on the promises he’s made.
Barton seemingly out of the blue and jumped into the top spot of betting odds for the manager’s position at Deepdale on Saturday aftermath of Rovers loss 1-0 to Sunderland and at one time, the 38-year-old was a bet for the job, which has been vacant ever since Alex Neil left on March 21.As the situation stands, Barton is second favourite by bookmakers, just behind the former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt however, he insists that there is no reason for him to quit the Mem even in the context of Rovers slide to the bottom of in the League One table and into the zone of relegation.
Barton made his debut in north Bristol together as the coaches Clint Hill and Andy Mangan and he has promised to bring back confidence in the team as well as offering a long-term strategy of bringing Rovers higher up the league and he remains certain of achieving.
A former Newcastle United midfielder and his coaches have separated from their homes in the north westregion, only visiting them on days off, which is at a minimum, twice per week, with Barton father of three.We’ve been able to commit, and we’ve retreated from our families, and the support I’ve received has been positive. All we’re looking to do is to keep the promises made and things we’ve talked about over the past few months,” The Rovers manager added.
