FORMER Rangers defender Clint Hill will take his first steps into coaching next season alongside Joey Barton.

The 39-year-old spent one season at Ibrox and became a firm favourite with supporters.

But he wasn't kept on by Pedro Caixinha last summer and agreed a deal with Carlisle United.

Hill made 42 appearances for the League Two club but announced his retirement from playing last week.

He has now agreed a deal to work alongside Barton at Fleetwood as the Englishman begins his managerial career.

Barton had a brief spell alongside Hill at Ibrox before his Gers career was cut short following a bust-up with Mark Warburton.

And the pair will be reunited at Highbury alongside coach Steve Eyre next month.