Warren Barton was once the most expensive defender in English football; he was a raiding full-back of real quality and while his ability was never rewarded with trophies; he still had a fine career. Barton is best known for his days with Newcastle United, but he also had a very successful spell at Wimbledon where he really established himself as top player.
His move to Newcastle in 1995 for £4million made headlines but Barton proved himself as worthy of the price-tag with some classy performances early on. He played a pivotal role in the team known as the ‘Entertainers’ and even though he was a full-back, Barton was perhaps more valuable in the opposing half than in his own penalty area. After six years on Tyneside, Barton was moved on to Derby County where he spent a couple of years before his career wound down with spells at QPR, Wimbledon and Dagenham & Redbridge.
Barton still retains an interest in Dagenham & Redbridge where he coached during the week for a period; he also had a role with Brighton & Hove Albion as a consultant. Barton was named as the coach of the under-18s at Los Angeles Galaxy but he quit his post after only a brief period in charge.
He now spends his time doing television work for various networks. He had a stint with ITV as part of the team of pundits for the 2006 World Cup. Barton was given his own segment where he provided a comical analysis of every country taking part; it was not really a success and his services were not retained by ITV. He now works for Fox Soccer Channel in the USA where is insight into the English game is seen as valuable.
