Rangers boss Mark Warburton says he doesn’t regret signing Joey Barton.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Rangers manager Mark Warburton has been quoted by The Scottish Sun as saying that he ‘absolutely’ stands by his decision to sign Joey Barton in the summer.
The Gers lost to Old Firm rivals Celtic for the second time this season earlier today, but whilst September’s encounter at Celtic Park ended in a 5-1 win for the Bhoys, it was a much tighter affair at Hampden Park.
Joey Barton applauds fans as he is substituted
Moussa Dembele’s strike in the 87th minute was enough to hand Celtic a win in the Scottish League Cup semi-final, setting up a final clash with Aberdeen.
Rangers will of course be disappointed, but they were much better than they were during that embarrassing defeat at Celtic Park last month.
Before the game, Rangers boss Mark Warbuton was asked about absent midfielder Joey Barton, who is still serving a club-imposed suspension, which has effectively brought his Rangers career to an end.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton with Joey Barton
The veteran midfielder, 34, was Rangers’ marquee signing of the summer having left Burnley as a free agent, but not only did he struggle on the pitch, but was also involved in a training ground bust-up with team-mate Halliday, which led to that suspension.
Barton will seemingly never play for Rangers again, and Warburton was asked whether he still tood by his decision to sign the notoriously volatile midfielder.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Warburton, as quoted by The Scottish Sun, suggested that he ‘absolutely’ didn’t regret the move, as his experience and quality generated excitement from fans, even if the move hasn’t fully paid dividends.
“Absolutely. The experience, the quality was there for all to see,” said Warburton. “I think everyone in football was both surprised and excited by that signing. So I absolutely stand by that signing. We were active over the summer and it takes time to bed them in,” he added.
Do you think Rangers should regret signing Barton?
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