Joey Barton admits Bristol Rovers were working in the background to replace Bobby Thomas before the hasty termination of his season-long loan, but he believes the situation could have been handled differently.
Rovers learned on Friday the on-loan defender was returning to his parent club and being sent to Barnsley for the rest of the season. That decision was driven by the centre-back, rather than Burnley or the Gas, although manager Barton has prioritised defensive signings in January that would have likely cost Thomas his place in the starting XI.
Thomas impressed at times in his 19 League One appearances for the Gas, scoring three goals, but after a strong start following his deadline day move, more errors started to creep in and he was culpable in both goals shipped against Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday – his final appearance for the club. After that game, Barton sent a firm message to his defence that they must improve, having conceded 43 goals in 26 league games before this weekend.
