LA Blues News Release - www.labluesprosoccer.com
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
FULLERTON, Ca. - The LA Blues Soccer Club announced today that Warren Barton, a former Premier League defender and current analyst for Fox Soccer, has joined the club as its new General Manager and Technical Director. Previously one of the most highly-rated defenders in England, Barton brings a wealth of experience to the LA Blues, with more than 450 appearances for such clubs as Wimbeldon, Newcastle United, Derby County and Queen Park Rangers as well as the England National Team.
“To say we are excited that Warren has joined the Blues is an understatement,” Ali Mansouri, the LA Blues Soccer Club’s Co-Founder and Executive Director said. “He brings vast experience and knowledge to a relatively new organization like the Blues and above all, his determination to succeed will help us on and off the field.”
Since his retirement as a player in 2005, Barton (43) has been active in the coaching ranks, including a successful stint as the Under-18 coach for the LA Galaxy from 2008-10. Currently, Barton works as a studio analyst for FOX Sports’ Champions League matches as well as the Premier League coverage on FOX Soccer.
“I’m delighted to be involved with the LA Blues and consider it a great opportunity and professional challenge,” Barton said. “I have a lot of respect for the Blues organization and can’t wait to begin meeting the players this week toward getting our plans and preparations under way for the new season.”
A native of Islington, London, Barton began his professional soccer career in 1989 when he joined Maidstone United. Barton was transferred on June 7, 1990 to First Division side Wimbledon, while his 300,000-pound transfer fee recorded the largest sum paid for a Fourth Division player at the time. A regular fixture at right back during his tenure at Wimbledon, Barton was instrumental in keeping
it in the Premiership, playing for three different managers; Ray Harford, Peter Withe and Joe Kinnear. He had the most successful spell of his career with the Dons after they moved him into midfield, where his accurate passing provided many goals for the Crazy Gang’s forwards, helping them finish sixth in 1994 – the best finish in their history.
The following year, Barton became the most expensive defender in English football when he moved to Newcastle United for 4 million pounds, joining the "The Entertainers" being assembled by Kevin Keegan in 1995. After 164 league appearances in seven seasons, he joined Derby County in February 2002. Barton was manager John Gregory’s first signing for a Derby County side battling against relegation from the Premier League, and played in all of its final 14 league games.
Barton finished his 16-year professional playing career where he began, with Dagenham & Redbridge in the 2004-05 season after stint appearances at Queen Park Rangers and Wimbeldon. Following his retirement, Barton became part of ITV4’s 2006 FIFA World Cup team of analysts. He presented his own comedy segment entitled ’Warren Barton Travel Agent’ in which he provided a comical breakdown of each country taking part in the World Cup.
LA Blues is an American soccer team based in Fullerton, California. Founded in 2010 by the Mansouri family, the team made its debut in the International division of USL PRO, which currently features 13 teams. The season for the Blues will begin in late March 2013.