Additional impetus was given by the presence of Steve Black, the motivator who has worked with Jonny Wilkinson. “He had as much impact as anyone at the club to get us promotion,’’ said Barton. “Working with Blackie, it is almost impossible for me not to be successful. He’s had such an impact on my life. I visualise stuff now. When I get out of the car on a match-day, I walk into this ‘bubble of no reaction’ that no one gets in, nobody. I don’t waste energy arguing with refs or other players. The analogy Blackie uses with me is like somebody’s knocking on your door with muddy boots on and you’ve got a nice, new cream carpet and I go ‘you’re not coming in mate’, and close the door in their face. I’m in control now. I’m empowered.”