Joey Barton, the former footballer, is making headlines from behind bars as he awaits trial for an alleged assault. According to his podcast co-host, Barton has not only shed some weight but has also taken on the role of captain of the prison football team.

In custody since March 10, Barton faces charges of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. The incident in question involves an alleged attack on Kevin Lynch, a 51-year-old father of two, at the Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on March 8.

Appearing via videolink from prison at Liverpool Crown Court, the 43-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charges. Despite his absence, Barton’s ‘Common Sense’ podcast continues, with his co-hosts updating listeners on his life in custody.

The podcast recently revealed that Barton is actively participating in prison life, reportedly slimming down and embracing his leadership role on the football field. His co-host humorously noted that Barton has been “losing a bit of weight” while leading his team.

The former footballer’s ‘Common Sense podcast’ was recently recorded without him, with his co-hosts telling listeners about his time in custody so far.

Joey Barton, 43, (pictured in December last year) pleaded not guilty this week after being charged with occasioning grievous bodily harm

Co-hosts of Barton’s Common Sense podcast have claimed he has lost weight and is captain of the prison football team

One declared that Barton has been ‘losing a bit of f***ing timber’ after becoming the captain of the prison football team.

The podcast co-host, known as Cambo, stated that Barton has been trying to keep active while in custody and claimed he has been joking with others in jail.

‘He’s losing a bit of weight, he’s playing a bit of footy, keeping himself active. Mean machine,’ he said.

‘I can tell you a story about Joe, one of my mates, his mate is in jail with him.

‘Me mate’s mate was in the library with some of the lads, and he said Joe’s walking the library and said “boss book there for you lads”.

‘It was his autobiography. That’s definitely Joe.’

Barton was charged alongside his friend and roofer Gary O’Grady, 50, who was released on bail. 

Kevin Lynch, 51, was injured in the alleged assault at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Liverpool 

O’Grady appeared in court earlier this week but did not enter any pleas. 

Barton (right) and Gary O’Grady, who was also charged, appeared in the dock at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on March 10

A trial date has been set for September 1, with the case expected to last seven days.

The court was previously told that Mr Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, had been drinking with the defendants at the £1,440-a-year golf club before the alleged assault. 

Prosecutor Chelsea Kearns said he and Barton, a former Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers midfielder, then appeared to have a ‘heated discussion’.

The pair went outside, where a witness said they saw a man being punched, kicked and stamped on, the court heard. 

Barton allegedly warned Mr Lynch as he was attacked: ‘You should have behaved.’ 

A large number of police officers were scrambled to the scene at the golf club, with forensics officers cordoning off the club and scouring the grounds for clues.

Neighbours described hearing a man groaning in pain and seeing pools of blood on the street before paramedics arrived.

Barton has one England cap and also played for Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.