Barton was interviewed by BBC Radio Bristol pre and post-match of Charlton, with the manager revealing why fan favourite James Belshaw has been left out of the last two matchday squads, having missed Tuesday's trip to the capital as well as Saturday's home draw against Barnsley. Barton said: "From our perspective, there's a standard of behaviour. James is obviously going to be disappointed with Matthew Cox coming in and taking the starting jersey. But on two Saturdays on the spin, the Saturday at Portsmouth his agent phoned Eddy Jennings before a ball was kicked to try and speak about moving and Saturday, 10 o'clock before the Barnsley game has kicked off, Belly's ringing me asking if he can go on loan to another club which I felt was 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. But from my perspective, I think Belly wants to be number one and I can understand that. He's been number one for a large period of his Rovers career but you've got to support the team and you've got to support the man in the jersey. I get, if he'd had phoned me Sunday or Monday to tell me about this opportunity, I'd have understood that. But ringing twice, getting your agent to ring once on Saturday morning before a ball's been kicked for the first league game and then the following weekend to do it yourself as a 32-year-old I think that's just wrong. I don't think he's focused on the team. I don't think he's focused on anything other than 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 seasons and I like James. I think he's a good man but sometimes he lets his emotions get the better of him and unfortunately he's reached the end of his tether with me."
Sounds like he’s on his way. Pity as he’s a good keeper but they’ve clearly fallen out - after what Barton said he’s probably played his last game for us………. but you never know.
James Belshaw has joined FGR on an emergency loan deal. According to BBC sport it is a seven day loan Belshaw will either have to sign for FGR or he will have to stay at the Rovers until the end of season as he can only play for 2 clubs per season
