Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has revealed to BBC Radio Bristol that James Belshaw is no longer in his plans, having “reached the end of his tether” with the goalkeeper.
The 32-year-old has not featured for the Pirates this season, nor has he made the matchday squad for the two most recent league fixtures.
Belshaw made 38 appearances in League One for Joey Barton’s side last term, securing a 17th-place finish in their first season back in the third tier.
The shot-stopper has since been replaced as the number-one choice between the sticks by Matthew Cox, who signed from Premier League side Brentford this summer.
Barton has now confirmed that the Nottingham-born ‘keeper has asked for a loan move away from the club.
Having played 89 times in all competitions since his arrival from League Two side Harrogate Town in 2021, Belshaw was also part of the successful Rovers side which achieved promotion to League One, earning the club’s Player of the Year award in the process.
A key figure throughout the previous two campaigns, including keeping nine clean sheets in 2022/23, the 32-year-old has now found himself out of favour as the Gas continue their unbeaten start, with the former Fleetwood Town boss revealing his goalkeeper has requested on multiple occasions to leave the Memorial Stadium for pastures new.
The 40-year-old manager also confirmed he is hopeful of getting breakthroughs in the transfer market in the coming days, as he looks to add to his squad before September’s deadline.
What’s been said?
“James is obviously going to be disappointed with Matthew Cox coming in and taking the starting jersey,” Barton told BBC Radio Bristol.
“Last Saturday at Portsmouth he phoned Eddy [Jennings, head of football operations] before a ball was kicked about moving, and Saturday at 10 o’clock Belly’s ringing me to ask can he go on loan to another club which I felt was very, very selfish.
“At that point I decided he’s not going to be part of our group going forward and if he’s here beyond the deadline in September then we’ll have a discussion about that.
“Belly wanted to be number one and I can understand that. He’s been number one for a large period of his Bristol Rovers career. But you’ve got to support the team and you’ve got to support the man in the jersey,” Barton continued.
“I don’t think he’s focussed on the team, I don’t think he’s focussed on anything but what he wants to do. He can go and focus on that now from my perspective away from the football club.
“He’s been great in the League Two season and I like James, he’s a good man, but sometimes he lets his emotion get the better of him.
“Unfortunately he’s reached the end of his tether with me.”
Writer’s View
The summer arrivals of Matthew Cox and Matthew Hall from higher divisions were always going to throw Belshaw’s future up in the air, and it is a disappointing conclusion for someone who won the Player of the Year award just two seasons ago.
He is currently only tied down until 2024, so I think even with a loan spell away, it is highly unlikely we’ll see the 32-year-old appear in the blue and white of Bristol Rovers again.
Belshaw is clearly desperate for first-team football, and I think he’d make a great addition for any ambitious League Two side.
