Joey Barton shares his reaction when he learned Rangers were letting Jason Holt leave Ibrox

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Rangers have allowed midfielder Jason Holt to leave Ibrox.

Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton has told the club’s official website that he pushed to bring Jason Holt to the club as soon as he heard Rangers were making him available.

Holt, 25, joined Rangers on a free transfer from rivals Hearts in the summer of 2015, and whilst he hasn’t grabbed many headlines, he has still been something of a bargain.

The midfielder bagged 12 goals in his first season with the club as he thrived under Mark Warburton, playing a key part in the Rangers side which won promotion back to the Scottish Premiership.

Holt has scored just twice since though, and has been more of a squad player than a regular starter, but leaves Ibrox having recorded more than 100 appearances in his three years with the club.

Given that Rangers have signed Scott Arfield and Ovie Ejaria this summer, both of whom can play in central mdifield, as well as having Ryan Jack and Graham Dorrans, Holt quickly dropped down the pecking order under new boss Steven Gerrard, and many expected him to move on.

On Monday, it was confirmed that Holt has left Rangers to join Fleetwood Town on loan for the season, in a move which reunites him with ex-Gers teammate Joey Barton with the League One club.

Speaking to Fleetwood’s official website, Barton admitted that as soon as he found out that Rangers were letting Holt leave, he react immediately by pushing the club to do everything to make sure he signed for them.

Barton coined Holt a ‘huge signing’ for the club, and noted that he already has League One experience having once played for Sheffield United on loan.

“I’m delighted that Jason has joined us here at Fleetwood Town,” said Barton. “I saw his qualities when I was at Rangers on a daily basis, and as soon as I found out he was available we tried everything to make sure we got him here. He’s a great character, a great trainer and he knows the level after his season with Sheffield United.It’s a huge signing for us,” he added.