The commanding midfielder arrived this afternoon on loan from Premier League Champions Leicester City.
The 25-year-old former Manchester United graduate has put pen to paper on a loan deal until the end of the season and James spoke of his delight in joining the Club.He said: "It feels great to be here and to be back in a team now, and hopefully I can put my spin on Barnsley Football Club and it feels fantastic to be here. It's been magnificent what the Club have achieved, and it's fantastic how they're playing at the minute and I'm really happy to be here. It was a big part of my decision-making, how Barnsley play and I think I will fit right into it.
"They play a fast, high-tempo game and really lift themselves in the big games. It's a really young and hungry squad and the Gaffer really emphasises the fast style and the tempo and I'm excited to get started."
Matty could make his debut this weekend in a Yorkshire Derby against Rotherham United and having watched our victory over Leeds United last weekend, he's excited to get to work and feels the Club should dare to dream.
"I'm excited about it" he said. "It's not a bad one to start off with, if I'm selected. The win against Leeds was a big one, I watched it on TV and it was great for the Club and hopefully we can repeat that on Saturday. It's an exciting time. Dreams can come true and hopefully we can get Barnsley into the Play-Offs, you just never know."
An international for England at various youth levels, Matty also boasts a wealth of Football League experience as well as forming a key part of a successful Leicester City squad in recent years. He believes that know-how should aid the Reds and can't wait to play in front of the Oakwell crowd in a Red shirt.
"Hopefully I can add a little bit of experience" he explained. "I've played in the Championship before, the Premier League and I want to use that experience to help a couple of the younger lads and maybe I can pick things up from them too, it's a team game and I want to do my best to cement my place in this strong team.
"It's been a tough place to come to at times, I remember one situation, it was a bad situation with Leicester a few years ago and we lost, and the dressing room wasn't a good place to be in afterwards I can tell you. The fans here are passionate, they give their all just like the team do and really make it a tough place to visit so hopefully I can experience the other side of it now as a Barnsley player."
Our new midfield man finished by giving Reds supporters a heads-up regards his style of play whilst also giving praise to Reds Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom following the move.
"I will give 110%, every single game, I will work as hard as possible and try and influence the game and get a strong hold of the midfield. I like to pass and move, get forward, get back and really involve myself in games. Everything that the Gaffer has said to me so far has been right, he's been a big influence on me joining this Club."
Watch the full interview with Matty James now on Barnsley Player HD!
