He was born in Sutton, Surrey and managed Aston Villa to success in the 1982 European Cup, three months after taking charge.

He subsequently joined the coaching staff at Aston Villa, becoming assistant manager to Ron Saunders in 1980.

In July 1984, he took over as manager of Northampton Town but left in April 1985 after suffering a heart attack.

In September that year he became assistant manager of Southampton under Chris Nicholl, remaining at The Dell until May 1988.

Shortly before Barton's death he was offered the first manager's job at Wessex League new boys Petersfield Town.