Buxton captain Connor Kirby, from Worsbrough Common, is looking forward to facing hometown club Barnsley on Tuesday from 7pm.
Buxton have replaced Alfreton as the Reds’ midweek hosts for their third friendly of the summer.
They finished seventh in the National League North table last season but lost to Chester in the play-offs.
Kirby came through the academy at Sheffield Wednesday – playing twice in the Championship – before an injury-plagued spell at Harrogate Town.
The 26-year-old midfielder, who still lives in Barnsley, told the Chronicle: “I am looking forward to it. I have never actually played against Barnsley.
“I grew up watching them and still go to games when I can.
“I started off at Sheffield United before Wednesday. They were interested in me and so were Barnsley.
“I don’t really know why I went to Sheffield United not Barnsley. I was only six or seven.
“It will be a tough test against a team in League One. We all want to stand out because you never know who is watching.”
Kirby – who knows Reds player Corey O’Keeffe from a spell at Macclesfield – broke his leg at Harrogate and, after recovering, joined Buxton in 2022 initially on a part-time basis while doing some coaching at Kixx in Barnsley.
He has been full-time for the last two seasons and is now captain.
“Buxton are an ambitious club. Everyone wants to go up. We lost in the play-offs last season unfortunately but we’re hoping to do one better this season.”
