‘Embarrassing decision. Too early to sack him. Wasn’t good enough’ - Bristol Rovers faithful react to Joey Barton’s sacking

Bristol Rovers fans on social media have been reacting to the news that Joey Barton has been sacked.

The club took the decision to part company with the former Newcastle and Manchester City midfielder this afternoon, with the Gas currently 16th in the table - seven points adrift of the play-off places and 16 behind current League One leaders Portsmouth.

The move comes after Barton oversaw a 1-1 draw against Stevenage at the Memorial Ground on Tuesday night, which ended Rovers’ two-match winless run.

And despite Rovers’ struggles to keep pace with the division’s early pace-setters, it appears many fans have been taken aback by the decision.

Here’s a general overview of the feelings among the fan base as supporters come to terms with the announcement.

@BarnesymMartin: Shocking, absolutely shocking, would’ve given him till Christmas at least, wrong decision In my opinion, but that’s my view.

@balonfrog: Embarrassing decision.

@stevepeles11: Very disappointing, injuries galore and could see how good we were earlier in the season with key players fit.

@JoshGregson: Shocking decision, massive step backwards. All the best @Joey7Barton great gaffer

@tucker_brendan: 50/50 on this, however this year we have been shocking at times. Big budget spent and not produced as of yet. Need to get behind the new manager whoever that is #UTG.

@Captcrick7: I’m surprised Bristol Rovers think they can find better within their budget.

@ciaronWest2: Big decision the owners need to get the new appointment right or this will be a bad decision.

@chrisastleymma: Really poor decision imo!! Long list oF injuries and it takes time to build a winning team!!

@iancotters: Shocked by this being honest. I know he divided the fan base but I honestly thought he was building a solid league 1 team with a good chance of finishing the season well.

@eadesryann: Admire him for getting us to try and play football but when that comes at the expense of results it was only a matter of time. Hope we have someone lined up.

@InsuranceDavidW: Always sad when someone loses their job, but he simply wasn’t good enough, was provided a budget for a top half finish last year & got nowhere near it, this season looking just as bad with even more backing. Hoping for a less divisive individual. Up The Gas.

@haskins1966: Think it was too early to sack him, injuries haven’t helped him to have a settled team, but I guess with what we have spent on wages, and where we are in the league is the reason, but feel we may regret it.

@Jethro_171: Terrible decision IMO. Has given us great football to watch. What with the injuries we have had, would only be a matter of weeks before we would be flying up the table.

@piratgas: To be fair I always backed him but think he has taken us as far as he can - he didn’t look interested 2nd half against Stevenage.