Reds frontman Marley Watkins spoke to the media this morning ahead of tomorrow’s big Yorkshire derby with Huddersfield Town.
The 25-year-old Welshman has featured prominently in all three of the Reds opening games of the 2016/17 season, putting in three commanding performances, leading the line superbly and scoring two goals. Marley gave his thoughts on the season so far.
“I thought we started well, two wins out of three, so I can’t complain and it’s good to get two goals. So yeah it’s a good start and hopefully it continues.
Watkins now finds himself alongside Tom Bradshaw in the Reds attack and following a superb start to the season, he is determined to maintain his place in the starting line-up. Marley was also keen to express how the strong competition for places is benefitting the team as a whole.
“Obviously when you get in the team, you want to keep your shirt. I feel I should have started the first game anyway, but it’s all about the team and once you get the shirt you have to keep it; we’re all under pressure to perform.”
Watkins continued, “That’s what you want in the team, especially now we’re in the Championship, there is strong competition for places but that’s only healthy and it will benefit the team, it will raise everyone’s games, so it’s a good thing.”
The atmosphere inside Oakwell has been phenomenal over the past two games and Watkins was eager to pay thanks to the Reds faithful for getting behind the team.
“The fans have been brilliant. I feel like we’re both in it together the players and the fans, and they lift us. Especially over the last two games they’ve been brilliant, it’s like a fortress and the atmosphere is class. So thank you to the fans.”
All but two of the Reds starting eleven against QPR on Wednesday were part of the promotion winning team from last season. And Watkins feels that the bond that the squad have is proving key this season.
“It’s a family feel here, we all want to play for each other, work hard for each other, and I think that goes a long way. As you can see from Wales in the Euros, that togetherness is what got them to the semis and I feel we’ve got a bit of that here, everyone gets along with each other and we all play for each other.”
The Reds take on Huddersfield Town tomorrow in a series of Yorkshire derbies this season, and it’s an experience that the big man is looking forward to.
“It’s one for the fans to relish and there is a good buzz about the place, so may the best team win!”
Watch the full extended press conference with Marley Watkins over on Barnsley Player HD!
