Former Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton will not face trial for an alleged assault until 2027 after a court adjournment this week. The 44-year-old ex-England midfielder was remanded in custody following a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, his birthday, as reported by the Blackpool Gazette. His trial, concerning an incident on March 8 this year, was postponed by Judge David Potter and is now scheduled to begin on March 8, 2027, with the case expected to last two weeks. Barton will next appear for a bail application hearing on Monday.
What are the details of the alleged incident?
The alleged assault on 51-year-old Kevin Lynch is said to have occurred at a property on Fairway in Huyton. According to the report, the incident followed an evening where Barton and Lynch had been drinking at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of the special education school NexGen Academy, was reported to have suffered serious injuries to his eye. Barton, who is of Widnes, Cheshire, appeared in court wearing a navy blue suit, tie, and a blue shirt. As he left the dock, he made a thumbs up gesture to a man in the public gallery.
What is Joey Barton's football background?
Joey Barton earned one cap for England during a playing career that included spells at Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Rangers, Burnley, and Marseille. His transition into management saw him take charge of Fleetwood Town between 2018 and 2021. His off-field legal matters now cast a shadow over that chapter of his career. The club he once managed, Fleetwood Town, currently sits 12th in League Two with 6 points from four games, having scored 4 goals and conceded 3.
Where does Fleetwood Town stand currently?
While this off-field story unfolds, Fleetwood Town's focus remains on the pitch. The Cod Army's season has begun with a record of one win and three draws from their opening four matches. That form, detailed on our standings page, leaves them three points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers. Their defensive solidity, with just three goals conceded, has been a feature of their start. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our dedicated fixtures page.
What happens next in the legal process?
The immediate next step is a bail application hearing scheduled for Monday. Barton remains in custody until that date. The substantial delay of the trial itself, now set for over six months away, means this legal process will extend well into 2027. The two-week trial window in March 2027 will finally address the allegations stemming from the incident earlier this year. For now, the former manager's future is on hold, a stark contrast to the ongoing football season where his old club continues its campaign in League Two, currently boasting a +1 goal difference.
