Joey Barton had a slightly unexpected visitor to his office in the wake of Bristol Rovers’ 1-0 win over Peterborough United in November. There was a rap at the door as players from both sides began to make their way out of the Mem, and there wanting to come in was Jonson Clarke-Harris.
The Posh striker, and former Gas favourite, had gone goalless on his return to BS7, having left the club in the summer of 2020, but that wasn’t the topic of conversation, it was something a little more profound.
The two had met as opponents, towards the end of Barton’s and the start of Clarke-Harris’ in a game between Rotherham United and Burnley at The New York Stadium in October 2015 (funnily enough, Grant Ward also played in the game in the Millers midfield), exchanging a few playful barbs, and since that occasion each man has taken a slightly strange fascination in each other’s career.
