Reggae Boy Brown a ‘quality operator’, says Barton

LONDON, England (CMC):

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has hailed controversial forward Jevani Brown as a “quality operator” and believes he will move “from strength to strength”, after his maiden goal for the club earned them a 3-0 victory over Port Vale.

The 28-year-old Jamaican forward, who arrived at Memorial Stadium from Exeter City during the summer on a two-year-deal, scored in the 85th minute to cap off a dominant display by the home side.

Brown’s strike came in his seventh League One game of the season.

“Jevani’s a quality operator and that goal was important because it will lift a weight off his shoulders and I’m sure that he’ll now go from strength to strength for us,” Barton said.

“It was his best performance in the blue and white quarters and a lovely goal like that right in front of our most vociferous fans will certainly settle him and endear him to the supporters.

“It was a very good ball in for the first goal and everyone in the stadium now knows what a top-notch operator JB is.”

Brown joined Rovers under a cloud of controversy, amid an ongoing court case after being charged last February for assaulting a woman in Exeter City centre. He was immediately suspended by Exeter and subsequently released in May without ever playing again.

In July, while a Rovers player, he was fined 5,000 pounds after being found guilty of slapping a woman and spitting at her.

Though criticised in some quarter for signing Brown, Rovers started him on the opening day of the season, in a 1-1 draw away to Portsmouth.

Barton, the former Manchester City and Newcastle United star, said Brown was an asset to the club and backed him to “bear fruit” for the club as the season progressed.

“JB’s had to be patient because it takes a bit of time to get up to speed, but tonight we looked unplayable up front with JB, Aaron Collins and Chris Martin and their pace and link-up play,” Barton said.

“I always knew his goal would come and I’m buzzing for him. We’re lucky to have him at our club. We have had to be streetwise to beat the rat race for him.

“But I know he’ll bear fruit over the next few months amid all the challenges we face this season.”

Brown represented Jamaica at Under-17 level and was subsequently called up to senior Reggae Boyz duty in Austria last year, but withdrew from the squad without playing.