MATTHEW Craig is hoping for another successful spell in South Yorkshire after helping to turn Doncaster Rovers’ season around earlier this year.
The 21-year-old signed for Barnsley on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
Craig – who captained the Spurs under 21s – played once in the Premier League, coming on in a win over relegated Leeds United on the final day of the 2022/23 season.
He then spent the second half of last season at League Two Doncaster.
The Scotland youth international made 20 appearances for Donny, scoring once, and helped them surge up from a relegation fight to the play-offs in which they lost to Crewe.
Craig told the Chronicle: “It couldn’t have gone much better at Doncaster for me.
“It was really something. We obviously went on a winning run. It was really beneficial.
“I haven’t lost many games as a professional footballer so far so hopefully we can keep that going this season.
“Barnsley have high aspirations and the group is good enough to achieve that.”
Craig’s signing was announced on Monday and he joined Darrell Clarke’s Reds on their training camp in Loughborough.
“It’s been really good so far.
“The players and staff have been really welcoming.
“I spoke with the gaffer before I came here and he was really positive about what he thinks the experience could do for me.
“It was a positive conversation and he really got across what he’s trying to build here.
“Obviously Barnsley are successful in League One and it’s a step up from last season. It was an opportunity I couldn’t really turn down.”
Craig joins a midfield which already features the likes of Luca Connell, Adam Phillips, Conor Hourihane and Jon Russell.
“There are some really talented players here already.
“Training with them and playing with them hopefully can help all of us.”
What will Craig bring to the Reds?
“First and foremost I am a really hard worker for the team. Out of possession, I think I break play up really well and anchor the midfield but I can distribute it on the ball as well.”
Craig has signed for the season then will assess his future at the end of the loan. He said: “The focus is on this season, trying to do as well as possible.
“After this season, we will find out if it leads to anything more.”
