Joey Barton explains James Belshaw absence amid Bristol Rovers transfer exit talk

Joey Barton says that James Belshaw will no longer feature in his plans at Bristol Rovers.

He was not included against Charlton with Matt Cox and Matt Hall preferred ahead of him. The 32-year-old has been excluded from the last two match-day squads, and now his reason for absence has been revealed.

Belshaw’s manager claims that for the past two weekends he and his agent have asked for a move away from the Memorial Stadium. He will now not be considered for the first-team and is available for transfer.

“From our perspective there’s a standard of behaviour,” started Barton on BBC Radio Bristol.

“James is obviously going to be disappointed with Matthew Cox coming in and taking the starting jersey.

“Two Saturday’s on the spin, last Saturday at Portsmouth his agent phoned Eddie (Jennings) before a mall was kicked to try and speak about moving.

“Saturday at 10.00 am before the games kicked off, Belly’s ringing me to ask if he can go out on loan to another club, which I felt was very very selfish.

“At that point I have decided he’s not going to be part of our group going forward.”

Belshaw now has 16 days to find a move away from Rovers, with the club not expected to stand in his way should a suitable move be found. His potential departure is a sad one given his impact at the club since joining in 2022.

To date, he has made 89 appearances for the Gas, keeping 26 clean sheets and shipping 115 goals. Belshaw was named Player of the Year for their 2021/22 promotion-winning campaign.

Belshaw’s position as number one came under threat in January when Ellery Balcombe joined on loan from Brentford but he quickly earned his place back in the team. The arrival of Cox however in July has seen the England U20 goalkeeper become first-choice, with Hall providing cover.

Barton added on Belshaw: “If he’s here beyond the deadline in September then we’ll have a discussion about. From my perspective, Belly wants to be number one and I can understand that.

“He’s been number one for a large part of his Bristol Rovers career but you’ve got to support the team and the man in the jersey.

“If he phoned me Sunday or Monday to tell me about this opportunity I would have understood that but ringing twice and getting your agent to ring on a Saturday before a ball is kicked for the first league game and the following weekend to do yourself, for a 32-year-old.

“I don’t think he’s focused on the team, I don’t think he’s focused on anything other than what he wants to do, he can go focus on that now from my perspective away from the football club.

“He’s been great in the League Two season and I like James, he’s a good man but sometimes he lets the emotion get the better of him and unfortunately he’s reached the end of his tether with me.”