Joey Barton insists he is happy to take the heat for his tactical decisions and insists he will not rein in his attacking approach as Bristol Rovers look to end a six-game winless run in League One.
The Gas were beaten 6-3 by Lincoln City at the Mem on Saturday, with a team selection that Barton himself labelled "barmy" not going to plan. He left out Alfie Kilgour, his only fit and available centre-back, and played Glenn Whelan – a midfielder – in the middle of a back three. Barton gave Whelan the nod because of his superior abilities on the ball.
That decision raised supporters' eyebrows before kick-off and was questioned after a chaotic game with chances galore for both sides, and Barton accepts scrutiny will come his way.
