Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton will not face trial over an alleged attack on a man outside a Merseyside golf club until next year.
The 44-year-old - who denies a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent - was due to face trial this week.
However, at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday - Barton's birthday - Judge David Potter adjourned the trial to 8 March 2027. The case is expected to last two weeks.
Former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder Barton - who was denied bail at an earlier hearing - is alleged to have attacked Kevin Lynch, 51, at Fairway, Huyton, on 8 March.
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An earlier court hearing was told that they had been drinking together at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
Mr Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, is said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.
Barton, of Widnes, Cheshire, won one England cap and also played for Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Olympique Marseille.
He went on to manage Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers after retiring from playing.
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