8 former England internationals who are tackling the world of football management  

#5 Joey Barton

Joey Barton is taking his first steps into management with Fleetwood Town

Controversy was a word that followed Joey Barton around as a player and has continued to do so since he stepped into the hotseat for the first time with Fleetwood Town. His usual dramatics aside though, what can’t be denied is that he is doing an excellent job.

After making some astute signings, including getting Ched Evans on loan, they finished 11th in his first season in charge. They have kicked on in 2019-20 and are currently in fourth place in the table, four points behind second placed Wycombe Wanderers but with two games in hand.

At time of writing Fleetwood are currently in ninth place in League One, on a run of three straight victories and just two points outside the play-off places.

Barton has undoubtedly enjoyed an impressive start to management but as ever, off-field issues continue to hang over him which could potentially have an adverse on his future career. He has pleaded not guilty to allegedly assaulting former Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel and is currently scheduled to appear in court on 1 June 2020.