‘Excellent’ - Morecambe boss casts glowing verdict on Joey Barton and Bristol Rovers fans

Derek Adams has praised Bristol Rovers supporters and Joey Barton ahead of their League One clash with Morecambe.

Adams will go up against Barton and the Gas on Saturday when Rovers travel to the Mazuma Stadium after a week-long break. The Shrimpers have won their last three home matches, beating Accrington Stanley, Burton Albion and Cheltenham, scoring nine goals and conceding just once.

Rovers’ match with Wycombe Wanderers was postponed last week after the Memorial Stadium pitch was frozen. Morecambe’s weekend game was also postponed but they lost 4-0 to Ipswich Town in midweek.

The two teams met in early September and Morecambe went in front through Jensen Weir, but Ryan Loft later equalised to make it 1-1 before half-time. Kieran Phillips put the Lancashire side in front before an equaliser from Bobby Thomas.

“They’re a very good outfit,” said Adams to BBC Radio Lancashire in a positive assessment of Rovers. “I’ve always enjoyed going to Bristol Rovers. The fan base is excellent and it’s an intimidating place to go to, we did well there earlier in the season getting a point there.

“We were ahead in the game but as we all know their home supporters suck the ball in for their team to get that equaliser. They are a very good outfit and Joey Barton has done an excellent job there.”

Rovers’ match with Morecambe will be the first since the playing squad and coaching staff shaved their hair as part of the Bristol Razors campaign. A majority of the first-team squad including new signing Ellery Balcombe braved the shave to show support to Nick Anderton, who is undergoing chemotherapy for osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer

“It’s really sad about Nick,” he added. The players are playing their part to support him and we understand that. They all look very similar with their haircuts. It’s a great cause they are fighting for.”