6'0"  11st.7lb.
b. Bishop Auckland 9 May 1959
 

Debut 28 August 1982 (23y 111d) Final Game 16 October 1982 (23y 160d)
First Goal 18 September 1982
CAREER: Newcastle United May'77[101+1-5];Blackburn Rovers Aug'82 (loan);Darlington Jan'83 (loan)Jul’83 (free)[49-3];Blyth Spartans '84;Counden (Co Durham)'85.
 

FL   8 apps   1 gl  - 1 wdn  - 60m
Sent off  1
 

Having made the grade with his local side, Barton became surplus to requirements when they signed Jeff Clarke. Although several clubs were interested he came on loan to the Rovers because he was aware that Keeley had refused to sign a new contract and the possibility existed of a permanent move. There was never much doubt about his wholehearted commitment (his celebrations on finding the net against his old club were memorable, until he found the referee had disallowed it, and he also managed to get himself sent off for dissent). However the Rovers had no funds and when his loan period expired he was allowed to return to his club. Although he subsequently moved to Darlington a knee injury forced him into non-league football and ultimately led to his retirement. After a brief spell away from the game he returned as manager of Newton Aycliffe and then moved up the non-league ladder as assistant manager of Spennymoor United.