Joey Barton believes Manchester City's resurgence this season may not have happened without his performances in the last campaign.
The 25-year-old had some "playful banter" with fans when the Newcastle first team played at City last weekend and hopes he receives a good reception when he eventually returns to play.
"I hope they appreciate the job I did last season," Barton told BBC Radio Five Live.
City battled against relegation last term but, following the takeover of Thaksin Shinawatra, are now third in the Barclays Premier League under new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
"Were it not for myself, Micah Richards and Richard Dunne the club wouldn't have had Shinawatra, the Premier League and Sven.
"I think they could easily have gone down last season but for a couple of results."
