Glenn Whelan stays on as part of Bristol Rovers interim staff after Joey Barton sacked

Glenn Whelan will remain at Bristol Rovers as part of their interim management team after the sacking of Joey Barton as manager of the the English League One club.

The former Republic of Ireland midfielder, who came through at Manchester City alongside Barton in the early 2000s, has been working as a first team coach at the Memorial Stadium where he spent the last two seasons of his club career.

Barton, 41, only signed a new three-year deal with the Pirates in July 2022, but a run of one win in five matches has seen his tenure cut short.

Rovers have placed Andy Mangan in interim charge, with Whelan, Danny Ventre and Anssi Jaakola working alongside him.

Ventre won several trophies with Sligo Rovers during a seven-year spell in the League of Ireland a decade ago.

A club statement read: "Bristol Rovers can confirm that the club has relieved first-team manager Joey Barton of his duties.

"Everyone at the club would like to thank Joey for all his efforts and wish him well in the future.

"In the interim, Andy Mangan will lead the team supported by Glenn Whelan, Danny Ventre and Anssi Jaakkola who will remain in post."

Whelan joined Barton's coaching staff in the summer of 2022 and also served as a coach with the Ireland U16 side under manager Paul Osam, helping them to a Victory Shield success last November.

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