JOEY BARTON has signed for talkSPORT.
The controversial former England midfielder will kick-off as co-commentator of Watford v Liverpool on the opening Saturday of the Premier League campaign.
Barton, 34, is four months into a 13-month suspension, reduced from 18 months on appeal, handed to him by the FA in April for gambling on football matches.
And he’s thrown himself into the talkSPORT project.
For the ex-Manchester City, Newcastle, West Ham, QPR, Marseille, Burnley and Rangers midfielder will feature every Saturday with extensive previews of the day’s action.
He’ll also be part of Monday night’s ‘Kick-Off’ show from August 14, tackling all of the weekend’s action and the biggest issues in sport between 7-10pm.
Barton was previously part of talkSPORT’s on-air team at the Euro 2016 finals in France.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to the new football season.
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“Having listened to talkSPORT for many years, and given that I can’t be on the pitch, being part of the biggest sports radio station every week is certainly the next best thing.
“Tune in for honest, no-nonsense punditry on Monday nights and Saturday afternoons.”
Liam Fisher, National Controller for talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 added:
“The season is nearly upon us and, with commentary of more than 500 live games, culminating in the 2018 World Cup final, we need to extend our squad!
“Joey is a superb pundit and never afraid to voice his opinions, so we’re looking forward to him becoming part of our fantastic team.”
Barton was also handed a £30,000 fine with the suspension.
It was revealed in a 63-page document released by the FA that Barton had lost almost £17,000 on bets worth more than £200,000 – those included 42 bets in 20 matches with teams he was registered to play for at the time of betting.
FA chairman Greg Clarke admits the Football Association is considering ending its partnership with betting companies but stressed the decision is not linked to Barton's case.
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