Joey Barton: Sacked Bristol Rovers manager’s 172-word message to Gas Heads following Memorial Stadium departure

Joey Barton has released an emotional statement following his sacking as Bristol Rovers manager.

And in it, the 41-year-old thanked everyone involved at the Memorial Stadium during his near three-year tenure - from Wael Al-Qadi, who appointed him in February 2021, to the players, and the fans.

Barton, who suffered immediate League One relegation with the Gas following his appointment but won promotion back to the third tier at the first attempt, said he created some amazing memories on his journey with the club that will be with him and his family forever - including that 7-0 demolition of Scunthorpe on the final day of the 2021-22 season.

He said every decision he made was in the best interests of the club - including the ones that the former Newcastle and Manchester City midfielder admitted he got wrong.

Barton added that he leaves Rovers in a stronger position than when he first arrived.

He said: ‘What a journey we have been on as a club. I appreciate Wael giving me the opportunity to lead the Gas Heads. I will always look back on my time in Bristol with fond memories.

‘We created some amazing memories on the journey, achieving promotion and that 7-0 victory are days that my family and I will never forget.

‘Thanks to the players, I appreciate every single one of your contributions during my tenure at the club, it was a privilege to lead you.

‘To the fans, thanks for your patience with me, I did not always get every single decision right, but I made them all with the best intentions.

‘I wish every one of you the best, thanks for sticking with me. This is your football club, I was only a custodian. I did my very best.

‘Most importantly, this club is in an amazing position to move forward and in a much stronger position than when I arrived.

‘Thanks for the memories and see you soon. Goodnight Irene. JB.’

Barton’s former assistant Andy Mangan will assume caretaker duties until a replacement is found. The club currently sit 16th in the League One table heading into Saturday’s visit of Northampton to the Memorial Stadium.

In the meantime, Barton used his newly-found free time to go and watch Liverpool’s 5-1 victory over Toulouse at Anfield in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Yet his surprise Rovers departure remained on his mind. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, he once again reached out to the Gas Heads following a ‘tough day’.

He wrote: ‘Just back from watching Liverpool Vs Toulouse. Read all the messages from Bristol Rovers fans.

‘All I can say is thank you. It’s been an absolute privilege to manage your football club. Wish I could respond to every message but trust me I’ve read them all and they’ve made me smile, on what has been a tough day. Glad you enjoyed it. Good luck @Official_BRFC.