Callum Elder's first interview as a Red after completing move to Oakwell!
After signing on-loan until the end of the 2016/17 season, Elder spoke exclusively to Barnsley Player HD about the move.
Elder said, “It feels great. It has literally come about really quickly over the last 24 hours as I have spent the first six months of the season at Brentford, but it’s great to be up here and I am really looking forward to getting amongst the squad and getting started.
“As a young player you want to get as much first team experience as possible, and I was lucky enough to do that being on loan at a range of Clubs. Barnsley is now my next step and I am looking forward to trying to make an impact to help the lads finish the season strongly.”
Elder joins his fellow Leicester teammate Matty James through the Oakwell doors during the January transfer window. He spoke of how pleased he was to see a familiar face in the dressing room.
“Yes it is good! Aside from that it is great to see Matty back as he has had some injuries himself, but everyone at Leicester was excited to see him join Barnsley and get some games in. It will be great to link-up with him again as well as training and playing with him.”
Part of the Australian International set-up, Elder will be joining fellow Aussie Ryan Williams as well, helping him to feel at home in South Yorkshire, with both players having aspirations of playing regularly for the Socceroos.
“I don’t actually know Ryan personally but I have heard a lot about him as we are involved in the national team set-up, so that is definitely something I’ll speak to him about.
“I’ve been in contact with staff over from the Australian set-up so hopefully being at Barnsley will propel me and help me to achieve that goal.”
Paul Heckingbottom’s side have been on an upward curve over the last 12 months. Whilst on loan at League One side Peterborough during the 2015/16 season, Elder faced the Reds.
“The rise has been massive. I remember playing Barnsley when I was on loan at Peterborough and they were struggling down at the bottom of the league, so to see them rise from down there to making it to Wembley and getting promoted was unbelievable. I guess the achievements they have made this season goes to show how far the whole squad has come. I am delighted to become involved in that and to help them keep going.”
Elder wanted to let the fans know what they can expect to see from him during his spell at Oakwell, as well as telling Barnsley Player HD what the Reds Head Coach had to say to him to bring him here.
“I’d like to describe myself as an athletic full-back. I like getting up and down the left-hand-side. I’ve just spoken to the manager now and that’s definitely something he wants me to bring to the squad. He didn’t have to say a lot, I spoke with him last night and I was really eager to jump at the chance to play here under him and to be involved with the rest of the squad. He told me it’s a young squad that he has got and everyone is hungry and determined to improve themselves which is the exact same thing as what I am trying to do. I guess the results of this season has shown how determined everyone is so it’s definitely something that I am looking forward to being a part of.”
As well as saying the right things to bring him into the squad, there was also another reason behind the left-back wanting to join the Reds.
“What better advice to get than the manager being the same position as you! I will look to gain all the knowledge and experience I can to help improve my game.
“I can’t wait to get involved with the squad and get playing. The Club is in a great position right now to go and achieve big things come May time, so I definitely want to be a part of that and improve myself as a player in the process.”
