Rovers manager Joey Barton signs contract extension
The former Manchester City player will remain at the club into 2026
Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has signed a three year contract extension with the club, keeping him with The Gas until 2026.
Barton, a former player with Newcastle United and Queen's Park Rangers, guided Rovers back into League One last season, securing promotion with an historic 7-0 victory on the final day.
He was first appointed in February 2021, with the club in a League One relegation battle that they eventually lost.
"I am delighted to sign a new deal at Bristol Rovers," Barton said.
"The journey we have been on and the support I have received from the owner Wael Al-Qadi, the CEO Tom Gorringe and the relationship we've built with the Gasheads, these are all massive factors in me signing on for another four years."
Owner Wael Al-Qadi said: "I am extremely pleased Joe has decided to continue to lead the club forward.
"I am really excited to see him building this squad of talented and committed players.
"I wish him all the very best and this new deal hopefully shows him just how important he is to my vision for Bristol Rovers football club."
Prior to managing Rovers, Barton was in charge at Fleetwood Town between 2018 and 2021, with his time both there and at The Gas not without controversy.
In April 2019 while managing Fleetwood, Barton was accused of assaulting then Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel at the end of a match between their two sides.
Stendel was left bleeding and with a broken tooth after being pushed over in the tunnel after the game, with Barton found not guilty in December last year after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.
Following a separate incident in June 2021, at time of writing Barton, 39, is on bail for allegedly assaulting his wife outside their home in London.
During a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court it was heard he had kicked her in the head during an argument after drinking "four or five bottles of wine", with a trial initially due to start earlier this year.
Proceedings were later delayed, while Rovers' president al-Qadi has previously said any employee found guilty of domestic violence would be dismissed immediately.
That comment was made within an apology to fans, after the club initially put out a statement commenting on the alleged assault, which appeared to refer to the incident as a "victimless crime".
Rovers' fans have been expressing their delight about the contract news on social media, with some calling it "great", "massive" and "fantastic" news.