Andy Pilley: 'Joey Barton will be a huge asset to Fleetwood Town'

Fleetwood Town chairman Andy Pilley has claimed that incoming new manager Joey Barton will be a "huge asset" to the club.

The 35-year-old was appointed on Wednesday on a three-year deal and will officially begin his tenure once his football ban ends on June 1.

Barton was suspended for 18 months in 2017 after he was found to have placed 1,260 bets on football matches over 10 years, but his punishment was reduced by five months on appeal.

"Everybody's made mistakes but I care about the future, not the past," Pilley told BBC Sport on Thursday.

"There was a perception out there that Joey is not the guy I know him to be and I'm not concerned that some people think it's a bad idea. I know that over time he will prove that he is the person I know he is and he will be a huge asset to Fleetwood Town Football Club.

"I expect him to achieve a winning culture, to be forward-thinking and play exciting football. There's so much he has to offer to any football club and I think we're fortunate. Our bravery in this appointment will pay off."

John Sheridan is currently at the helm of the Lancashire club but his contract runs out at the end of the season.