‘I’ll learn from my mistakes’

Football’s forgotten man Mike Barton is enjoying his time away from the headlines, but has vowed to return next season as a better manager following a tumultuous season.

 

Barton’s name was splashed across the front and back pages earlier this season when he first quit Guilsfield to take up the helm at rivals Technogroup Welshpool, citing the chance of a fresh challenge.

 

But that appointment spiralled into mayhem within a month when a fall-out with the then chairman sparked his exit and left the 2010 Alliance Manager-of-the-Year without a club.

 

He has since enjoyed a low-key return to the game, taking over the vacant goalkeeping jersey at Four Crosses. But he now says his managerial instincts are nagging away at him and he is itching to get back.

 

“I’m enjoying my time at Four Crosses,” he said: “I’ve missed playing regularly and they are a great set of lads who can only move forward with Nick and Gaz at the helm. I’ve agreed to stay until end of the season so until then I will be doing my best to win something with them.”

 

But Barton has recently been taking training for the Foxen Manor side which has brought back the hunger for management.

 

“I’m definitely looking to get back into management,” he admits. “I’ve missed it. I would like to get back into the Cymru Alliance or an ambitious club who wants to get there. I still have a lot to offer the right club.

 

“My time at Guilsfield was fantastic. My exit wasn’t the best but hopefully I will be remembered for doing a very good job. Going to Caersws was a job I couldn’t refuse. I wanted to give it a go, but it didn’t go as I had hoped.

 

“As for the Welshpool job, that’s best forgotten! Definitely lessons learnt. Hopefully I will be able to make the most of them soon!”

 

Barton’s Crosses side was in action against one of his former clubs last night, going down 3-1 in a friendly at Technogroup Welshpool.