MARC Roberts says he once again turned down offers from other clubs to join hometown club Barnsley and hopes to gain a second promotion with the Reds.
The defender, who will turn 34 later this month, is from Penistone and made his name at Barnsley from 2015 to 2017 having been a non-league player until the age of 25.
He then spent seven years in the Championship with Birmingham City before returning to the Reds on a two-year deal last week.
“I had other offers,” Roberts told the Chronicle.
“The first time I signed for Barnsley, I had basically agreed to join another club but then, in the car, Barnsley called me and I decided to join my hometown club instead.
“It was kind of similar this time.
“I had offers at the start of the summer and it looked like I would go somewhere else. But as soon as Barnsley came in, nothing else mattered to me.
“The opportunity to come back to my hometown club, and a club where I had so much success last time, was brilliant for me.
“We have a young family so it’s nice to bring them home as well.”
Roberts had a trial arranged at Oakwell aged 17 but broke his ankle the day before.
He eventually signed eight years later after spells at Wakefield, Worksop Town, Buxton and Halifax.
“It was career-changing for me.
“I had a couple of chances to leave Halifax but it got to the point where it was now or never.
“I owe Barnsley a lot.
“I had two really good seasons there and always had really fond memories.
“I am a Barnsley boy as well so it means a lot.
“A lot of my friends are Barnsley fans so I have had loads of messages over the years, asking if I am coming back.
“It’s always been on the forefront of my mind if I left Birmingham.
“I’m really excited to add to the memories of my first spell and hopefully get promoted again.”
Roberts’ first season saw the Reds go from bottom of League One in December to winning both the EFL Trophy and play-off final at Wembley.
Roberts – who was dropped early in his first season – eventually formed a crucial partnership with Alfie Mawson then captained the Reds in the Championship in 2016/17 before moving to Birmingham for a multi-million fee.
Roberts said: “It was unbelievable.
“We were bottom of the league, I was in and out of team, then the run we went on was amazing and everything seemed to click.
“It was unforgettable, playing at Wembley twice and getting two medals. It was a fairytale first year for me as a pro.”
Roberts has returned alongside Conor Hourihane, his former Reds captain, with the two 33-year-olds adding experience to a young squad.
Hourihane, who is now a player coach, has said he will not play often.
Roberts said: “I have been with Conor before, I know what he’s like.
“I spoke to him a few times when he was at Villa and I was at Birmingham. He’s a good lad and everyone knows what he will bring.
“It will be weird when he dons the coaching colours.
“I will have to get used to it. I am pretty sure he will take to the pitch once or twice.
“He’s too good not to.
“He’s still got what he’s got. I believe someone like that is invaluable.”
Roberts, who was mainly a back-up for Birmingham last season and started just ten games, is focusing purely on playing.
“I wouldn’t have come back if didn’t feel like could have an impact. I want to play every game, that’s still where I am in my career and in my head. I spoke to the gaffer about that when I first met him. It was a no-brainer in the end.”
Roberts has enjoyed his first two weeks back at Oakwell so far.
“I have settled back in nicely. The lads are really good and inviting.
“I’ve really enjoyed it so far.
“It’s obviously changed a lot. There are new staff, a new gym and changing rooms. The club has had a facelift and the infrastructure is a lot better.”
