JOEY BARTON, one of English football’s most controversial figures, will become Fleetwood Town head coach in June once his suspension for breaching betting rules has expired.

The 35-year-old has been hired as the new coach of third-tier team Fleetwood on a three-year deal.

Chair of the northern club Andy Pilley said Barton will bring “experience and profile” to Fleetwood, saying that “he has the potential to become one of the best in the new generation of coaches.”

Barton added that his “first job in management was always going to be a big decision for me and I’m delighted with the opportunity ahead,

“I’m joining a club with big ambitions. I’m looking forward to getting started on June 2.”

Barton started his career at Manchester City and went on to play for Newcastle, Queens Park Rangers, French side Marseille, Glasgow club Rangers and Burnley. 

At Burnley he was banned for 18 months for placing 1,260 bets on football over the last 11 years, including games he played in.

That ban expires on June 2.