Joey Barton slams Scott Brown's tactics as Rangers flop taunts Celtic hero with 'Fleetwood's loss' quip

Joey Barton took a swipe at Fleetwood boss Scott Brown for his perceived heavy-handed tactics - joking the Fleetwood fans will be gutted it's the Celtic hero and not Barton himself in the dugout these days.

The two ex pros are now managers in their own right with Barton in charge at Bristol Rovers, having left his first job at Fleetwood in 2021. Brown has since stepped into the hotseat at Barton's former side but it was former Rangers flop Barton who was laughing at full-time as his side picked up a 2-1 win in Fleetwood to leapfrog them in the League One table.

They came from behind, overturning Jayden Stockley's early strike, to pick up the three points and Barton was in mischievous mood after the full-time whistle. Aiming a dig at his former club and Celtic legend Brown in the hotseat, he said on BBC Bristol: "I spoke to the boys at half-time and said just settle down and keep passing the ball. I thought we were good value for the victory, the wind here is a factor and the first half we were into it and it made it tricky as they kick it long and want to pin you in, they are quite effective at that.

"I think we were the better side on the afternoon, we were the only side trying to play football. They are effective at what they do.

"But Fleetwood fans must be disappointed Joey Barton isn't their manager because we were miles better football team than they are seeing at the minute. It's Fleetwood's loss and Bristol Rovers' gain."

Brown has given his thoughts on the match too, as he was left unhappy with referee Samuel Barrott's display. He added: "Their second goal was a great finish but it was a cross, let's be honest. I'm really happy with the lads' performance but I'm a little bit disappointed with the referee's