Marney signing outlines Fleetwood Town's new transfer policy

Marney’s arrival, according to Barton, exemplifies the approach of buying players who can improve Town in League One and help them should they win promotion to the Championship.

The 34-year-old was released by Burnley in the summer and opted to join Town after a spell training with Aston Villa as well as reported interest from Nottingham Forest.

Having penned a two-year deal to join Town, he will be in contention for Saturday’s opener with AFC Wimbledon after getting an hour under his belt against Chorley on Monday.

Speaking about buying players of Marney’s age and undoubted experience, Barton says it is a purchase that can help them in either division.

Nevertheless, he has challenged Town’s squad to show themselves worthy of a starting spot this weekend with healthy competition for places.

He said: “We are always looking to strengthen.

“We have brought Marns in off the back of that who is a Premier League player.

“I think he could play at a higher level still.

“We are thinking about if we do go up next season, players that can stay there.

“We are not thinking about this season and this season alone.

“We are not trying to get carried away with that but we need to think of players that can compete at a higher level if that is the level we want to get to.

“If the opportunity arises where we can bring them into the fold we will always look to do that.

“The lads who are in the jersey have an opportunity to show that I cannot go out and buy anyone else, or I cannot go out and bring anyone else in for their spots.

“We have lots of lads that have done that over pre-season, lots of lads who have said ‘I want to be at Fleetwood, this is what I am about.’

“But then there are other players that have been given the opportunity that maybe need to get their foot down because time is running out for people to step up and claim a starting berth because we start in days.

“If you are going to make a case to start then you have got to do it now because there will be opportunities.

“We have two good training days and there is still competition for certain spots.

“I have got a good idea of the team that I am going to pick on Saturday but there are still a couple of spots where a couple of people are fighting it out.”