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.”