DEREK Adams is not averse to ruffling a few feathers with what he says – just ask Newport.

But the City boss has never launched into 11-minute answers about burning incense to banish negative energy and seeing his job as a “sherpa climbing Mount Everest”.

That is how Joey Barton tackled a question over whether Bristol Rovers’ poor start had changed his managerial philosophy.

The controversial character will be in the opposing dug-out to Adams at Valley Parade this weekend – an intriguing prospect for those who like to watch the touchline goings-on.

Barton has been feeling the heat with the poor results – and offered to “walk away” in a chat with wealthy owner Wael Al-Qadi following the recent home loss to Swindon.

But Barton revealed that he snapped out of his low mood after spending an hour alone in church before launching into a lengthy monologue with the local media on scaling football’s mountain tops of achievement.

He said: “Fortunately for me, my constitution is when you tell me I can’t do something, I double down and think ‘I’ll show you that I can’.”

A 3-0 win over Carlisle last weekend, which cost Cumbrians boss Chris Beech his job, has eased the pressure that had been building at a club aiming to bounce straight back this season after dropping down from League One.

Six losses in the first 10 games have tempered those expectations and increased the pressure on a manager who believes his team are the biggest in the division.

Barton has welcome selection considerations after that much-needed home victory.

Barnsley loanee Luke Thomas is pushing for more involvement after coming off the bench to have a hand in the final two goals.

Fellow sub Sam Nicholson got one of those on his return from injury and could also feature from the start.

Barton added: "One swallow doesn’t make a summer and we’ve got a lot of work to do."