Joey Barton believes Manchester City's resurgence this season may
not have happened without his performances in the last
campaign.
The 25-year-old had some "playful banter" with fans when the
Newcastle first team played at City last weekend and hopes he
receives a good reception when he eventually returns to play.
"I hope they appreciate the job I did last season," Barton told BBC
Radio Five Live.
City battled against relegation last term but, following the
takeover of Thaksin Shinawatra, are now third in the Barclays
Premier League under new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
"Were it not for myself, Micah Richards and Richard Dunne the club
wouldn't have had Shinawatra, the Premier League and Sven.
"I think they could easily have gone down last season but for a
couple of results."
