MARC Roberts enjoyed his first goal at Oakwell in more than seven years in midweek and believes his experience is helping Barnsley pick up points they may have missed out on last season.
The centre-back, 34, levelled in the 89th minute to secure a 2-2 draw for his hometown club at home to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday. Roberts told the Chronicle: “It was nice. I went to celebrate but then everyone realised: ‘let’s get back and try to get a winner.’
“After going behind late, we were desperate to get back on level terms and maybe win it. We lack quality at times but I don’t think you can question the character. It was a relief.”
Roberts has played in all nine league games since returning for this season, starting eight and coming off the bench in the other. He said: “I think I have set off alright. I have a bit of a different role in this team – to help everyone around me.
“I am in the team for my experience which I think is helping.
“I watched a bit last season and we might have lost that game.
“I have settled in easily which was a big thing for me. It’s been a really warm welcome from everyone.
“I have a young family so it’s nice to be back in the town. It’s changed a lot since I was here before and it’s nice to see.”
Roberts is looking forward to Barnsley’s game at Michael Duff’s Huddersfield Town on Saturday. After growing up in Penistone, he knows several Terriers fans. He said: “I have got a couple of mates who are Huddersfield fans so it would be nice to get one over on them.
“For our fans it’s bragging rights in the area, people going to work and stuff.
“There are lot of connections – managers and players. It’s whoever deals with the pressure and turns up.
“It’s an emotional situation with the atmosphere in a derby but we need to control it and not let it get too much. As long as we make a positive start and control the game for longer, we will be fine.”
Roberts made his name in non-league football with Halifax Town where his central defensive partner was Matty Pearson, who also went on to play for Barnsley, and is now at Huddersfield.
“I have played against him a few times. He’s a great lad. When you step over the white line you don’t look at the opposition as friends. I will definitely be looking to get one over on him.”
Head coach Darrell Clarke has criticised his players for lacking quality on the ball in recent games. Roberts said: “We have got really good players.
“The gaffer can give us all the information in the world but, once we step over the white line, we have to take responsibility to make better decisions. We have definitely got to be better on the ball.
“We’ve got away with a couple already.
“I think we’ve definitely got a bit better than last season from a resilience point of view.”
Roberts added: “Everyone is looking for the solution. The gaffer might still be searching for what works best.
“There is a lot to work on and look at in a short space of time.
“Credit to the gaffer – he’s willing to make changes and he’s not hiding. He’s desperate to find solutions. He wants to try to win games – you might fall on your sword sometimes, but at least you’re trying to make a positive impact.”
