Ahead of racking up a century of appearances for the club, iFollow Barnsley spoke exclusively with Alex Mowatt to discuss his Reds career so far.
The skipper, who arrived at Oakwell from Yorkshire rivals Leeds United in January of 2017, got off to a somewhat indifferent start in the famous red shirt as he was dismissed on his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, he has gone from strength to strength since then and, following a successful loan move to Oxford United, has become one of the Reds’ key players in the past two years.
“It was tough when I first came here because I was at Leeds before and you’re living in a bubble coming through the academy; the only thing you know is there,” admitted Mowatt.
“To come out of your comfort zone and getting sent out on loan, I think I grew up as a person – living away from home, living by myself. When I came back for pre-season, I wanted to be as fit as I possibly could be and wanted to get in the team and stay in the team, and it worked. Last season I played every game so I was proud of that and carried on the form into this season as well.
“My most favourite time was getting promoted, but a lot has changed – I’ve had three managers in my time here, four if you include while I was out on loan. There’s been ups and downs, but it’s been a good journey so far.”
Mowatt has been influential in Barnsley’s recent upturn in form, playing an instrumental role as his side have claimed three consecutive wins to reignite their fight for survival.
Operating at the base of a diamond, it has been an unfamiliar position for the 25-year-old but a responsibility that he has relished and he is thrilled with how the Reds’ have fared in their previous outings.
“It’s really good at the minute after three wins,” continued the skipper. “We didn’t really see it coming after the results before that, but three wins on the bounce and three clean sheets – we couldn’t ask for much better at the moment.”
