Jonah Ayunga has a new manager: Joey Barton taking over Bristol Rovers

Kenyan forward Jonah Ayunga has a new manager: The League One club Bristol Rovers announced today that they have appointed Joey Barton as their first team manager. The contract is signed for the next two years, and the former Manchester City and Newcastle United player is back in management.

He has been without a job since the 4th of January, when he was sacked from the position at Fleetwood Town, following a bust-up with his player Ched Evans. Before the incident, he enjoyed a successful campaign during his two and half years at the club, finishing 11th in his first year, before securing a playoff spot in his second season.

“We are delighted to welcome Joey to Bristol Rovers and look forward to working closely with him to progress our football club forward. Joey's experience in the game is matched by his passion for coaching and delivering results, which made him a standout candidate for the role. He's got a good knowledge of the league already thanks to his spell at Fleetwood and has shown his credentials at delivering results and getting the best out of the players he works with. We are confident that he will be able to continue the ongoing development of the younger players coming through the ranks at the Club and speaking to him, I know his ambitions align with what we want to achieve as a football club. I want to wish Joey, the staff, and the players the very best of luck for the coming games, as we look to cement our safety in Sky Bet League One and build for the future" said Club President Wael Al-Qadi in an official statement.

Jonah Ayunga is expected to thrive under the new manager. The Kenyan international joined Rovers in July 2020, when he signed a two-year contract. So far, Ayunga played 14 times in League One, scoring two goals, adding one in the EFL Trophy. 

Barton’s appointment came after the club parted ways with manager Paul Tisdale, following a series of bad results which brought “The Gas” into the relegation battle. Former England international will take over with a club just two points away from the relegation spot. In the next two games, Rovers are playing at home against relegation candidates (and once successful) Wigan Athletic and Shrewsbury Town.