‘Never worked out’ - Joey Barton explains Bristol Rovers decision on first transfer exit

Joey Barton says that Trevor Clarke has wasted his time at Bristol Rovers as he departs for Shamrock Rovers. The 24-year-old is returning to his native Ireland and has joined the back-to-back champions until November.

Clarke signed two-year contract in the summer, despite barely featuring in their promotion from League Two. He was signed under Barton on a one-year deal after leaving Rotherham United, but is now back in Ireland. Clarke will get the opportunity to play in the Champions League, with Shamrock reaching the group stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League this season. He will also get to play alongside former Rovers striker Rory Gaffney, who won the Player of the Year last season.

“He’s grafted away and it never worked out for him. He never got a run and, if I’m honest, he never got any luck with his injuries,” he said on Thursday. “There is definitely something in there. He has something, his straight-line speed is as good as anyone’s and he’s aggressive.

“I just think he needs a regular rhythm of games. He needs to go and play 40-45 games and just get that feel of playing week in, week out. He’s a top lad, Trev, and he is well thought of in the group, but I think it is the right time for him to go and try his luck somewhere else.

Clarke was one of five players that was told in August that they would be free to depart the club. Barton admitted that he did not 'trust' him, and he was not the full-back that they need in his preferred style of play. Despite Barton's comments, Clarke was able to force his way back into his plans and was used on a sparingly basis.

An opportunity has now presented itself for him to return to Ireland and to get time. The season starts in February, and so an injury that has had him sidelined for the last month will not be a hindrance. Ireland, unlike England, play their season from February to November, which means that his future is likely to remain away from the Memorial Stadium. He will enter the last year of his contract, but given his lack of playing time at the club, could be moved out permanently.

“Trev needed to get better and there were a few of them in the summer. If we’re being honest, if they had gone when I said they should go then they would be playing now and they would be on with their careers.

“As it is, they have wasted a bit of time. Alright, some of them have had minutes and moments, but on the whole they are faced with the same predicament now the window is open in January.

“Those lads need to kickstart their own careers, mainly for their own sanity. For me, I’ve got bodies to look at around here and it’s great, I’ve got insulation if people get injured, but that is killing the lads’ career.

“It’s like when you don’t want to leave your mum and dad’s house because you get your dinner cooked and all the bills are paid for you. Sometimes, you need to be booted out of the nest.”