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managerial hand already. After this competitive, tight clash, he has some entertaining barbs, but was also generous to his old rivals.

Barton said: “I thought we were the better side. We had the better chances and we missed a penalty.

“They should have had a man sent off. I have had a healthy rivalry here but it is a great club.

“It is sad to see them in this state, it has been a tough time.

“The club is too big to be in this division and Jack Ross is setting them on the right direction and rebuilding.”

Barton’s team talk was simple. “We told the lads: You lucky so-andsos. I’d love to be playing in this arena. Get out on the grass and enjoy it.

“We know what we are building. It is difficult to compete with clubs with financial power like Sunderland, but boy did we compete today. We are a real team.

“I am disappointed we didn’t put Sunderland to the sword. Their fans wouldn’t admit we were the better team.

“But this is a proper football area. I love visiting here. A good stadium, passionate fans. Football doesn’t reflect how many fans you have, it reflects what you have on the pitch, and we have a team of men.” Sunderland have been guilty of sloppy starts this season, and soon fell behind. Paddy Madden nodded home a simple header after a second corner put the flimsy home defence under pressure. Barton celebrated with a discrete fist pump as the home crowd sang they wished he was dead. The visitors were tenacious and nimble in mi three failing

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