Rangers flop Joey Barton is back in football after being sacked as manager of Fleetwood earlier this year.

The 38-year-old former midfielder has been appointed Bristol Rovers boss after two-and-a-half years in the Cod Army job.

He was announced after signing a deal until 2023 to replace Paul Tisdale. He takes charge for the first time against struggling Wigan tomorrow evening.

Ex-Gers defender and teammate of Barton's, Clint Hill, and Andy Mangan join him as assistant manager and first-team coach respectively. Hill also worked alongside the former Newcastle ace at Fleetwood as his assistant.

Club president Wael Al Qadi said: "We are confident that he will be able to continue the ongoing development of the younger players coming through the ranks at the club and speaking to him, I know his ambitions align with what we want to achieve as a football club.

"I want to wish Joey, the staff and the players the very best of luck for the coming games, as we look to cement our safety in Sky Bet League One and build for the future."