Joey Barton opens door to Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian over manager role

Joey Barton admits he might have to manage Aberdeen, Hibernian or Hearts to improve his reputation in Scotland after his failed spell at Rangers.

The 40-year-old had a six-month spell at Ibrox as a player, but his time was brought to an abrupt end after a falling out with West Ham United coach Mark Warburton, who was manager at the time. Barton arrived towards the end of playing career, and had mainly played in the Premier League, but tried his chance in Glasgow but was unsuccessful.

He played just eight times during his time with the Gers and only played from August to September before he was suspended. In his one and only Old Firm match, he suffered a crushing 5-1 defeat to Celtic, with Bristol Rovers first-team player getting a goal and an assist.

The Scottish press has described Barton as a ‘Rangers flop’ when writing stories about him, most recently when he made comment about his former club Fleetwood Town and their style of play under Celtic hero Scott Brown. It has prompted Barton in to considering managing one of the teams outside of the top two, and challenging them.

He said: “Every time I read a Scottish paper it’s a case of ‘Flop Barton’. It’s the only blot on my copybook as a player.

“Maybe there’s only one thing for it and that means I’ll have to go back to Scotland and take charge of Hibs, Aberdeen or Hearts — and ram it down the Old Firm’s throats.”

Any move to Scotland would be several years off at least with the former Manchester City midfielder contracted to Rovers until the summer of 2026. He has spoken of his desire to take the Gas to the Championship, with the club starved of second tier football for 30 years.

Aberdeen and Hearts are on the search for new managers this summer with both clubs under caretaker management. Former Middlesbrough midfielder Barry Robson is in charge at Pittodrie, whilst ex-Everton and Norwich City striker Steven Naismith manages the Jambos. Hibernian are currently managed by former Bristol City manager Lee Johnson.