Joey Barton believes he made a "mistake" offering Trevor Clarke a new contract after telling the player he has no future at Bristol Rovers just two months on from signing a two-year deal with the club.
Clarke was among three players the manager exiled from his first-team squad on Monday, with Zain Westbrooke and Alex Rodman also told to find new clubs. Clarke's case, in particular, has divided opinion among the fanbase, with many believing he had impressed in pre-season and questioning Barton's decision.
The 24-year-old Irishman joined from Rotherham United last summer, but he was restricted to just nine appearances in all competitions last season due to a series of injuries. With the former Shamrock Rovers left-back reaching the end of his initial 12-month deal in June, the Gas had a one-year option in their favour but instead renegotiated terms for a two-year deal.
