WITH Joey Barton on the verge of a move to Rangers we look back at his best moments in a Burnley shirt from a season that will never be forgotten.

His first start for the Clarets

Lancashire Telegraph:

There had been plenty of anticipation surrounding Barton's debut for the club. He had signed at the end of August but spent most of September working through his own pre-season, before a half hour substitute appearance in the defeat against Reading.

Six days later, on October 2, he started in the Friday night win at Rotherham, playing a full 90 minutes, and went on to start 37 consecutive league games for Burnley, of which they lost only three. From that first appearance the added bite he would bring to Sean Dyche's midfield was clear for all to see.

The centre of attention at Ewood Park

Lancashire Telegraph:

His fourth start was also his first East Lancashire derby and there was no keeping Barton out of the game. He had a penalty appeal turned down in the first half, and was then tripped off the ball by Grant Hanley as he left the scene of the crime, but he kept his cool and refused to react, the first sign of the calmer, cooler Barton who has kept his discipline this season.

Barton then survived a penalty appeal against him when he eased Tom Lawrence out of the way, but he was the star performer at Ewood. He collected his man of the match award and was last off the pitch, milking the applause from the travelling support.

Opening the floodgates against the Dons

Lancashire Telegraph:

Barton had to wait until January 12 for his first goal but he took it well when the chance arrived, and it was also the first in a thumping 5-0 win at MK Dons in a week to remember for the Clarets, as they won away at Middlesbrough, MK Dons and Brentford in the space of six days.

The 33-year-old robbed Darren Potter of possession and raced through on goal, showing all his experience as he then lofted the ball over David Martin.

Brilliance at Brentford

Lancashire Telegraph:

He may have had to wait for his first goal but the second arrived just three days later as Burnley picked up at Brentford where they left off at MK Dons.

They scored three superb goals in a rampant first half display at Griffin Park. Barton showed his class from dead-ball situations on the half hour as he clipped a 25-yard free-kick over the Bees wall and into the corner of David Button's net.

Dominating on derby day again

Lancashire Telegraph:

Barton seemed to enjoy his two tussles with Rovers as the Clarets enjoyed a first league double over Blackburn since the 1978/79 season, securing the feat with another tight 1-0 win, this time at Turf Moor thanks to Andre Gray's penalty.

Again Barton was the star performer, scooping the man of the match award once more. Once again he was last off the pitch after speaking to Sky Sports and again he revelled in the moment, blowing kisses to the Rovers fans as he made his way towards the tunnel.

Winner against Preston

Lancashire Telegraph:

Burnley could have had a hatful at Deepdale in April as they dominated Preston for most of the game, but in the end they had just the one and it came from the boot of Barton. His deflected free-kick from 35 yards in the early stages gave Burnley an absolutely vital three points in the race for promotion.

It was another vintage Barton performance in front of the TV cameras as well as he set the tone in midfield and again walked off with the man of the match award.

Calling out the Football League

Lancashire Telegraph:

The Clarets strolled to the title on the final day of the season at Charlton, a 3-0 win in south London allowing the celebrations to start early. But the Football League's decision not to have the famous old trophy at The Valley meant Burnley's players had to lift an inflatable version in front of their own fans.

All of the squad were frustrated at having to wait for the silverware, but it was Barton who took the Football League to task as he branded the decision 'a joke'.

Balcony celebrations

Lancashire Telegraph:

Two days later, on a sunny Monday night in Burnley, Barton and the rest of the Burnley squad did get their hands on the Championship title.

A mix-up with the medals might have meant he had to wait an extra day for his personal memento of a fabulous season, but his final farewell on the balcony of Burnley Town Hall, bottle of beer in hand and sunglasses on, was one that will live long in the memory.