FOOTBALL manager Joey Barton is set to appear at Sheffield Crown Court next week for a pre-trial hearing having denied assaulting former Reds boss Daniel Stendel.

The 37-year-old, of Fox Bank Close, Widnes, was charged after an alleged post-match clash in the tunnel at Oakwell following Barnsley’s 4-2 win over Barton’s Fleetwood Town on April 13.

Barnsley complained to the Football Association and English Football League about the incident and South Yorkshire Police charged the former England international with occasioning actual bodily harm.

Barton pleaded not guilty at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court last month and a trial date will be fixed on Wednesday.