MARC Roberts was delighted to return from injury this week and hopes Barnsley’s EFL Trophy win can have a similar impact to the run in that competition he experienced a decade ago.
The 35-year-old centre-back picked up an injury before half-time in the opening day of the season win Plymouth Argyle in August then returned ten weeks later.
He was an unused substitute for the 2-2 draw at Bradford City on Saturday then played the full game as the Reds beat Manchester United under 21s 5-2 in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday to end a six-game run without a win in all competitions. It was Roberts’ first appearance in that competition since he started the final which Barnsley won in 2016, with his current head coach Conor Hourihane lifting the trophy as captain before they also secured promotion.
Roberts told the Chronicle: “Winning breeds winning. I go back to when I was first here. We were bottom of the league and it was this cup which bounced us into a bit of winning feeling. It feels good to win. Conor always mentions it.
“No matter if it’s 20,000 or 400 people watching. Tuesday wasn’t a big crowd but we were in a rough patch and hopefully that gives us a bit more confidence and rolls into the league game.
“Hopefully we can bounce back from previous results and get back to getting three points.”
Jack Shepherd and Josh Earl have been first choice centre-backs in Roberts’ absence with Mael de Gevigney and Jake Rooney both options in that position as well as at right-back.
Roberts told the Chronicle: “I think we’ve got a decent squad. We have a fair few options, especially at the back.
“Whoever goes out there we’re all behind each other. It’s easy to do that when everything is rosy but when it’s tough people aren’t happy. It’s just keeping people pulling in the same way and pushing each other as far as we can.”
He added: “Whether I am playing, starting or coming on to see games out – I will do whatever Conor wants.”
Barnsley were hoping to improve their defensive record this season but have kept just one clean sheet in 16 games, conceding 29 goals with two let in in each of their last five matches.
“It’s tough because I can’t say it’s almost there when we’ve conceded so many goals in the last few games. I hate that it always gets thrown at the defenders but I get it’s the last action you see and it’s where it can be stopped ultimately. But it’s more about recognising what’s going on as a team and if we can stop it higher up the pitch.
“The details are unbelievable that Conor and the team bring to us as players. We look at everything.
“It’s about taking more responsibility as players on the pitch.”
Roberts was the oldest player last season but has been joined by 37-year-old David McGoldrick who scored a hat-trick on Tuesday.
“He’s a great character and he’s had a great career. He’s come here and brought real quality that people probably don’t see a lot – the intricacies in the game and what he brings to the dressing room. You saw on Tuesday that he’s 37 against 18 year olds and he’s still got that drive to score goals.
“Everyone including me can take a hell of a lot from how he conducts himself and looks after himself.”
Roberts says there is more positivity around Oakwell this season than last.
“I’ve been injured and you have a bit more responsibility to see fans before games. It’s actually enjoyable talking to people. I don’t like touching on the past but last year it seemed more doom and gloom.
“This year people are turning up with more enthusiasm and expectation which comes with a little bit of pressure.
“But there is a bit more fun out there.
“It’s good to see and hopefully we can keep putting the performances in.
“It’s not always going to be perfect and you have to accept that sometimes. But as long as the effort and will is there from the lads, the fans take to that.”
