James Beattie on Fleetwood Town’s managerial shortlist following Joey Barton’s sacking

James Beattie is among the candidates keen to take over at Fleetwood Town and wants to bring Dave Kitson as his assistant.

Lancaster-born Beattie has worked in recent years as part of Garry Monk’s coaching staff at Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough, Birmingham and Swansea.

The 42-year-old former England striker feels the time is right to return to management, however, almost seven years after his spell of 16 months in charge of Accrington Stanley.

James Beattie is on League One outfit Fleetwood Town’s shortlist for a new manager 

He is keen to take over from Joey Barton at League One Fleetwood. Barton was dismissed on Monday after more than two years at the helm.

Beattie and Kitson both enjoyed long and successful playing careers, scoring goals in the Premier League and were together as teammates at Stoke City and Sheffield United. 

As revealed by Sportsmail, Barton was sacked on Monday with a dressing-room altercation with Ched Evans as the final straw. Sportsmail understands Evans and Barton got into a heated row after last month’s 1-0 win at Swindon Town. The striker has not played since his 16-minute substitute appearance in that game.

Barton declared later that Evans had no future at Fleetwood and the 32-year-old was suspended by his manager. Before Barton was sacked, Championship side Preston North End were in talks to sign the former Wales international on loan. Evans’ future remains in doubt.  

Barton and Ched Evans came to blows in a dressing-room row that contributed to his sacking 

Barton is said to have declared Evans’ time at the club over during the confrontation