MARC Roberts is hoping for a good reception when he returns to Birmingham City tomorrow.
Roberts left his hometown club Barnsley in 2017 for the Blues then, after seven years in the Championship with City, came back to Oakwell for this season.
Roberts told the Chronicle: “Football is opinionated and that is why we all love it.
“Some might like me, some might not.
“I am not too focused on it.
“It would be nice to get a good reception and hopefully they will be in a good mood because the club is doing well and I am glad they are because they deserve it after some tough times.”
On his time at Birmingham, Roberts added: “It was turbulent but we had good spells.
“It’s a massive club and they deserved better than what we ever gave them when I was there.
“I hope they get promoted but, come the game on Saturday, we will try to put a tiny dent in it.”
Roberts played last season with Jay Stansfield, who was on loan at Birmingham before being signed for a reported £15million last summer.
“Stan is really good. I got on with him when I was there.
“He’s not just got quality but he works his socks off.
“We will be in for a tough game against him.
“We saw his quality when we played him at home.
“He’s got that bit of magic which you pay the big money for.”
Roberts is now working under interim head coach Conor Hourihane who is younger than him and was his captain when Barnsley were promoted in 2016.
“We joked about it when he took over. It was weird but I also said he’s one of the only players I played with I could have imagined doing it.
“He’s so organised and methodical and puts his all into it.
“He’s a great leader.
“Once he gets this experience under his belt, he will be a great coach.”
Roberts had wanted to fight for a second promotion but Barnsley now look set for a mid-table finish.
“I hoped for another promotion and everybody did.
“The hope kills you a bit.
“I don’t think we’ve been far off, even though it looks like it in the table.
“We’ve been through tough times but also been really good at times.
“We’ve chucked away silly and needless points, and been naive.
“That’s the frustration. It’s probably not to be.”
