Joey Barton starts his Fleetwood reign against AFC Wimbledon

Posted Thursday, August 02, 2018 by PA

Joey Barton begins his managerial career in earnest on Saturday as Fleetwood take on AFC Wimbledon.

The former Newcastle and Manchester City midfielder has brought the national spotlight onto Highbury, but the signs are positive after seven victories from seven matches in pre-season.

Barton has been busy in the transfer market and his major headache will be deciding which 11 players to field.

Among eight new signings hoping to feature will be experienced midfielder Dean Marney, who left Premier League Burnley at the end of last season, and on-loan Sheffield United striker Ched Evans.

Barton’s opposite number Neal Ardley has made even bigger changes to his squad and it will be a new-look Wimbledon who take to the pitch.

Defender Rod McDonald is the latest player to join the Dons after making the switch from Coventry and is one of three signings in two days after loan deals were completed for Tyler Garratt and Ben Purrington.

Another summer signing, striker James Hanson, feared he would miss the start of the season after suffering a groin strain but he has recovered in time.

There have also been 12 departures, including the unfortunate Jon Meades, who has been forced to retire aged just 26 after persistent ankle problems.