Joey Barton: It would be 'tough to refuse' Newcastle job | OneFootball

Joey Barton has been sensationally linked with a move back to his former club as Rafa Benítez’s successor.

While the former Newcastle midfielder revealed that he would love to take over the vacant position, he also admitted he doesn’t feel ready for the responsibility just yet.

In his managerial debut, Barton led League One side Fleetwood Town to an 11th-placed finish.

“It’s the first I have heard of it. It is a phenomenal football club but I am a young manager learning my trade,” Barton told Sky Sports.

“I love everything I am doing at Fleetwood, there is a great group of players, a great group of people I am working with.

“I am happy with where I am. I am learning and it is important that I continue to learn if I am going to fulfill my potential as a coach.

“I had four great years there as a player so it is a club that is very close to my heart. But on the flip side, Rafa Benitez going out, it is a tough act to follow.

“He did an incredible job there and the Premier League is a tough league.

“If Newcastle ever come calling, for any manager by the way, it is tough (to refuse). But I am happy where I am.

“I do feel I need a period of time to really learn my trade. We cross those bridges when we come to them.”

Barton featured 84 times for Newcastle between 2007 and 2011.