Joey Barton will take his first steps in management with Fleetwood Town after being unveiled as the League One club's new head coach on a three-year deal.
The 35-year-old, who has played for the likes of Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley, will officially take charge from June 2.
Barton was expected to continue his playing career from the start of next season once his ban for breaching betting rules expired, with Notts County among the sides looking to snap up the free agent.
In a shock appointment, however, Fleetwood have announced that the one-cap England international will succeed John Sheridan in the Highbury Stadium hotseat.
Speaking to his new side's official website, Barton said: "I'm very excited by the challenge and the project at Fleetwood Town. It's a club I've known for a long time, and a chairman I already have a very good relationship with.
"My first job in management was always going to be a big decision for me and I'm delighted with the opportunity ahead, I'm joining a club with big ambitions. I'm looking forward to getting started on June 2."
Chairman Andy Pilley added: "This is a huge appointment for Fleetwood Town Football Club and one I'm very excited about. Joey not only brings a host of experience and profile, but I also feel he has the potential to become one of the best in the new generation of coaches.
"He's someone I've known for a number of years and I'm convinced he's ready to make the step into management, and that he will be a huge success. Joey will be able to build-on the fantastic work done by John Sheridan during the last couple of months, one he deserves huge credit for.
"John joined us on a short term arrangement with the aim of keeping us in League One and I'm delighted he's been able to do that. Today's news signals a new chapter for Fleetwood Town which starts on June 2nd, and one which we are all excited about."
Sheridan was appointed by Fleetwood on February 22 with the club outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone, and has since guided the Cod Army up to 14th place.
Daniel Lewis
