Ahead of the Black Cats clash against Barton's Fleetwood Town at the Stadium of Light tonight, we’ve delved into the archives to find some of the one-time England international's attempts to goad Sunderland fans over the years – on everything from Simon Mignolet and Jack Ross to Paolo Di Canio.
Simply scroll down and click through the pages to take a look.
1. Barton on facing Sunderland with Fleetwood last season
"It is David v Goliath. If youd said 10 years ago that Fleetwood would play Sunderland in the league people would probably have laughed in your face." Photo: Lewis Storey
2. Regarding Chris Coleman's decision to take the Sunderland job
"Has anybody seen if he is alright? Has anybody checked to see he is all there, if he has had any problems with his mind or lost his senses?" Photo: Lewis Storey
3. And again after the Welshman's decision take the job on Wearside
"I thought he was better than that. He must be getting weighed in to go there and been given guarantees to spend in January." Photo: Getty Images
4. On Twitter before a charity match where he faced Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio
"Are the rumours true about the 5under1and manager playing? #couldgetemptiedout" Photo: Alex Davidson