Joey Barton has been rewarded for leading Bristol Rovers back into League One with a three-year contract extension, keeping him at the Gas until 2026.
Barton’s previous deal was due to expire next summer after he joined the club in February 2021 but having secured promotion in dramatic circumstances on the final day of last season, he’s further committed to the future vision of Rovers.
The Gas claimed automatic promotion from League Two via goals scored with an unprecedented 7-0 victory over Scunthorpe United on the final day of the campaign and are now preparing for life back in the third third.
Since arriving in north Bristol, former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder Barton has won 29, drawn 14 and lost 29 of his 72 games.
"I am delighted to sign a new deal at Bristol Rovers,” Barton said. “The journey we have been on and the support I have received from the owner Wael Al-Qadi, the CEO Tom Gorringe and the relationship we've built with the Gasheads, these are all massive factors in me signing on for another four years."
Barton was appointed in the wake of Paul Tisdale's disastrous reign in BS7 but was unable to keep Rovers up in League One in the 2020/21 campaign, the Gas finishing bottom of the division and 10 points from safety with matches played closed doors in what was a bleak and miserable season.
Owner Wael Al-Qadi allowed the 39-year-old to launch a full-scale renovation of the squad with 24 signed and 28 first-team players moved on, either on permanent or loan deals.
Despite being among the favourite to secure promotion, Rovers started the season in disappointing fashion, losing six of their opening 10 matches and were towards the bottom of League Two with Barton even questioning his future at the club. Speaking at the end of last season, Wael Al-Qadi revealed that Barton had tendered his resignation following a 3-1 defeat to Leyton Orient in September.
But gradually over time the new squad began to gel and after a Covid-enforced break over Christmas, the Gas enjoyed a stunning run in 2022 - losing just three times to finish third in the division amid celebratory scenes at the Mem following that win over Scunthorpe.
Beyond results, Barton has delivered in the main attacking and entertaining football that has swelled crowds at the Mem after 18 months of struggle, on and off the field, prior to that. And although he remains a divisive appointment among sections of the fanbase, there is no question he has energised the younger generation of Rovers fans.
"I am extremely pleased Joe has decided to continue to lead the club forward. I am really excited to see him building this squad of talented and committed players," Wael Al-Qadi said. “I wish him all the very best and this new deal hopefully shows him just how important he is to my vision for Bristol Rovers football club."
The Rovers president has stood by his manager over his two court cases during his time at the club. Barton was found not guilty in December 2021 of assaulting former Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel in April 2019.
Following two adjournments, his trial for allegedly assaulting wife Georgia is due to take place at the end of October this year at Wimbledon Magistrates Court. Barton has pleaded not guilty to one count of assault by beating.
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