"Everybody knows they are a club of great history and tradition - and that is great - but what has also been great for me is that they have pushed the boat out for me, and both Freddy Shepherd and Sam Allardyce have made me feel so wanted."
Barton visited Shepherd at his home, where he is recovering from illness after opening negotiations yesterday, to thank him for his attention, and quickly made up his mind.
The outspoken England international knows he has made mistakes in the past, and is intent on proving himself on the pitch all over again.
He said: "I am not proud of some of the things I have done and know I have brought a lot of my problems on myself. But I want to be a winner, not only for myself, but for the fans.
"I have heard it said that footballers are all about flash cars and expensive watches, but for me, it is all about winning medals and it hurts me that I haven't any."
