MARC Roberts says Darrell Clarke’s angry reaction to Barnsley’s performance in their weekend win will help them reach the standards they need to compete for promotion this season.
The Reds won 2-1 at Lincoln City, with Roberts – who has returned to his hometown club for a second spell this season – scoring what proved to be the winner.
Head coach Clarke called it a ‘three out of ten’ performance and ‘nowhere near good enough.’
Roberts told the Chronicle: “Sometimes when you’re winning, things get left and you paper over cracks a little bit.
“You can say it’s alright because we’ve won and it’s not alright. We have got things to work on.
“We got away with a couple and gave away large portions of the game.
“Having that from the manager is good. He gave us a rocket at half-time and wasn’t happy at the end and rightfully so. He wants to be up there at the right end of the league.
“If we’re going to be there, standards have to be incredibly high across the season, especially with the quality that’s across the league this season.”
Roberts’ former Birmingham team-mate Sam Cosgrove was the other scorer on Saturday.
“He’s done well. He’s put himself about for not a lot of gain. It’s good to have players like that. He’s shown if you create him chances, he will score.
“I hope he gets the chance to stay in there and prove he can score more goals because he’s a threat.”
Roberts has been named vice-captain this season to new skipper Luca Connell.
“It’s nice coming back and having that responsibility. Luca has been here a few years, he’s got the rapport in the changing room and he’s a big character in there. I am happy to back him up and help him where I can, maybe guide him a little bit.”
Roberts played in the opening night loss at home to Mansfield, which meant the Reds still have not won a home league game across the last six months. They host Northampton Town on Saturday.
“I watched from afar last season so I know the home form wasn’t great.
“We’ve looked at it and it’s been mentioned. We will be at it to try to get that win against Northampton.
“It’s great for me to be playing back at Oakwell. It’s good to have that feeling as a player. I haven’t had it for a while.
“I am just looking to have a smile on my face and have a positive impact on the team.”
