Few players can claim to dispel the ‘anti-London’ myth that gets directed at Newcastle fans quite like Warren Barton.
Pundits have, at times, accused Magpies supporters of failing to embrace outsiders due to their birthplace - rather than their credentials.
However, a man who made the right-back spot his own during the 'Entertainers' era is living proof that those claims are nonsensical.
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A boyhood Arsenal fan, Barton beams with pride when he talks about representing Newcastle United.
Speaking from across the Atlantic via Zoom, his use of the words ‘we’ and ‘our’ while talking about Newcastle shows that, despite being born 300 miles away from St James’ Park in Hackney, he is very much a Geordie at heart.
“When you hear people say players don't want to go up there, I think ‘why?’” Barton told ChronicleLive.
“Me and Les (Ferdinand) came up as two southern boys and we mixed in with everybody.
“You need to be part of the community. What you have to realise, and Eddie (Howe) has done straight away, is that the football club is the heartbeat of the city… but the fans are the heartbeat of the football club.”
Barton flew from San Diego to attend Newcastle’s shock FA Cup exit against Cambridge last month - his first taste of the Toon since the £300million Saudi-backed takeover was approved in October.
His last trip to St James’ Park was before Covid rocked the world yet Barton - who spent seven years on Tyneside - believes the positivity among supporters is unrecognisable from his last visit.
“Just before Covid I came back and brought my kids over, with their teams, from America, and it was doom and gloom,” he said.
“Even walking into the stadium, seeing people I've known for years, you could just tell they didn't have a spark in their eyes. They didn't have that fun everyone used to have.
“When I went back last month, you could see people smiling and hopeful again. People believe we have owners that actually care.
“It’s similar to what it felt like when Sir Bobby Robson came in after Ruud (Gullit).
“Bobby came in and transformed things straight away.
“He walked in, lifted the clouds and made everybody believe and realise what it means to play for Newcastle.”
The Magpies’ new mega-rich owners splashed the cash in January as they looked to provide Howe with the tools necessary to keep Newcastle in the Premier League.
A whirlwind transfer window saw five signings arrive on Tyneside as the club aims to avoid relegation in the second half of the campaign.
Barton likes what he saw from the recent transfer window, despite the Magpies missing out on top targets Sven Botman and Diego Carlos.
He said: “The owners went after a lot of high-profile players and didn't get bullied or manipulated into spending too much money.
“Kieran Trippier, no one can doubt his level of quality.
“He’s a proper player who could go into any team in Europe. He's just won La Liga and worked under one of the most astute coaches in the world.
“He's a winner, he’s a leader and is as fit as any player I've seen.
“Chris Wood has proven over the last four years that he can get over 10 goals a season for a team that doesn't create many chances.
“It gives us a new dimension and he can play as a lone striker. I think when Wilson comes back they can play together, too.
“Bruno (Guimaraes) has played in a strong league for a very good team that has an identity of getting players and turning them into superstars. He's one for now and the future due to his age.
“At left-back, with Matt (Targett) coming in… he is Mr Reliable.
“Matt has played for a big club in Aston Villa. Last season, he was their most consistent player.
“Burn is a winner and a local boy - that's a big thing as well.
“It’s been difficult, but we’ve been able to get an England international, a Brazilian International, a New Zealand International and two players that have got pedigree of playing in the Premier League.
“So I think when you've put that into context, it’s been an outstanding transfer window.
“Full credit to the ownership but now it is down to Eddie, his coaching staff and the boys to start performing.”
The former Toon cult hero - who played under four different managers at St James' Park - was keen to offer advice to the club’s recent arrivals.
Barton proudly admits he gave Newcastle his all on the pitch… and urged the new players to do the same.
“Embrace it. Enjoy it,” he said.
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“I gave Newcastle everything. I didn't have anything left when Sir Bobby told me it was time to go. I gave everything. I couldn't give any more.
“I wasn't David Ginola, Tino, Les or Alan Shearer, but the fans respected what I did.
“I miss it. I loved every day walking into training. I relished the pressure of doing well for so many people and having that responsibility.
“Embrace it and enjoy it because it's the best club in the world, the best fans in the world and the best feeling in the world.”
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