Lower division side Bristol Rovers have sacked Joey Barton as their manager with immediate effect.

The former Newcastle United midfielder has the Gas in 16th place in League One at present.

Having won ONE of their past five matches, Bristol Rovers have pulled the plug on the Barton experiment.

The former combative midfielder came in for criticism after calling a rival manager Steve Evans a “fat man" and a “weeble."

A club statement read: "Bristol Rovers Football Club can confirm that today 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."