Will Joey Barton's exit at Fleetwood have a knock-on affect on Preston North End's interest in Ched Evans?

Fleetwood Town have parted company with manager Joey Barton and that might have a knock-on affect in Preston North End's interest in Ched Evans.
Joey Barton and Ched Evans during Fleetwood's game against Bristol Rovers in December 2019Joey Barton and Ched Evans during Fleetwood's game against Bristol Rovers in December 2019
Joey Barton and Ched Evans during Fleetwood's game against Bristol Rovers in December 2019

Barton's departure from the Highbury Stadium after two-and-a-half years in charge, was announced on Monday afternoon.

Before Christmas, Barton had announced striker Evans would not play for the club again, saying in an interview that was due to 'his discipline and his behaviour'.

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That fall-out between manager and player was a factor in Barton's exit, among other things.

North End were first linked with 32-year-old Evans over Christmas and that interest resurfaced over the weekend.

There was talk of a loan deal until the end of the season, although nothing had been finalised.

It could well be Barton leaving Fleetwood makes it easier for Evans to stay there and return to the first-team fold.

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Many PNE fans reacted furiously on social media to Evans being linked with a Deepdale move.

It would be a controversial switch bearing in mind the striker's background and those who have voiced an opinion argue strongly that he would not fit in with the club's ethos.

The statement on Fleetwood's website announcing that Barton was leaving, was short and to the point.

It read: "Fleetwood Town can confirm manager Joey Barton has left the club with immediate effect.

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"We would like to thank Joey for his work during his time at Highbury Stadium and wish him success in the future."

Fleetwood chairman Andy Pilley tweeted later: "I'd like to put on record my thanks to Joey Barton for job he's done during his time at @ftfc. I’m sure he will go on to have a hugely successful career. Today's decision was a tough one for me to make, but I felt now was the right time for the club to go in a different direction."

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