The Burnley manager only had good things to say about his former star.
Rangers’ Joey Barton looks dejected as Celtic’s Scott Brown applauds fans as he is substitued
Though a large number of pundits and supporters have been critical of Rangers midfielder Joey Barton in relation to recent events at Ibrox, one figure in the game has been quick to give the 34-year-old his support, in comments appearing on Sky Sports.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche was one of the only managers to have enjoyed a faultless spell in charge of the one time England man, and much of that may have something to do with the fact that Barton only spent a brief spell at Turf Moor.
But Dyche was clear that, though he doesn’t know what has happened between Rangers and Barton, he only has positive things to say about the midfielder.
“It’s quite obviously private to Rangers, whatever has gone on,” Dyche told Sky Sports.
“I can only give my opinion about my time with him and he was fantastic for us, on and off the pitch, inside the camp and outside the camp.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche
“But that’s with me, I can’t speak for others and what’s gone on since then.
“Some situations fit together nicely, they did here. I can’t say whether they’re going to or not at Rangers.”
Barton played a vital role in Burnley’s Championship winning season, and Dyche is clearly still a fan of his former player, despite Barton choosing to sign with Rangers this summer.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche celebrates with the trophy after winning the Sky Bet Football League
A number of reports have emerged in recent days about Barton, from suggestions published by the Guardian relating to a gambling investigation, to his three week suspension by the Gers for a training ground altercation with Andy Halliday.
What is clear, as ever with Barton, is that he is player with talent but that can court controversy for a variety of reasons.
Burnley’s Joey Barton celebrates promotion
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