Rangers have finally pulled the plug on Joey Barton’s ill-fated stint at the club.
Rangers and Joey Barton have agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect. Neither Rangers nor Joey Barton will comment further.
— Rangers FC (@RangersFC) November 10, 2016
The club’s boss Mark Warburton had been hoping the experienced midfielder would give his side a steely edge on their return to Scotland’s top flight.
But his failure to control the notoriously erratic 34-year-old has proved expensive. Barton pocketed £20,000 a week during his four-month stay in Glasgow before his two-year deal was terminated.
Barton has not featured for Rangers since being suspended following a furious bust-up with Warburton in the wake of September’s humiliating 5-1 defeat to Celtic.
The former Manchester City, Newcastle and QPR player was left out in the cold for eight weeks while the club examined possible grounds to sack him. During this time he remained on full pay and collected £160,000 in wages.
It is understood that the club have agreed to pay him until January 1, costing them £160,000.
Barton took to Twitter to thank his fans.
I'd like to thank the supporters of Rangers for their incredible support during my time at the club. Wish you all the best for the future.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) November 10, 2016
His last appearance for Rangers was on September 10, but the real drama exploded when the squad was gathered at the training ground two days later and Barton traded insults with both Warburton and team-mate Andy Halliday.
Barton is said to be “devastated” that his move to Rangers has turned into such an unmitigated disaster. But despite failing to perform in Scotland, it is understood that he intends to kick-start his career as soon as the January transfer window opens.
He still believes he can cut it in the Premier League. A return to Burnley appears to be his most likely move.
