Joey Barton has revealed former Southampton and Burnley striker Charlie Austin trained at Bristol Rovers this month but the Gas passed on the chance to sign the 33-year-old, as he’s set to make a return to Swindon Town.
Austin is without a club following a six-month stint in Australia with Brisbane Roar where he contract was terminated this month due to family reasons, and Barton knows the frontman well during their time together at QPR.
Austin trained with the Gas at The Quarters, similar to Scott Sinclair in October before the winger was signed on a free transfer, but on this occasion, given their strength and depth in the final third, Rovers won’t be pursuing anything further. Barton confirmed that Austin will sign for League Two Swindon, his first club as a professional back in 2009.
