Following our dramatic 2-1 win over Brentford, Jack Walton praised the impact that Gerhard Struber has had on the dressing room since his arrival in November.
The young goalkeeper has been tremendous in our final push for survival and credits the Reds’ Head Coach for instilling a renewed sense of belief amongst the players.
“Everyone has written us off so many times this season,” asserted Walton. “When he came in, we were rock bottom and probably the toughest time in the changing room when we were low on confidence. He’s come in and boosted us and believed from minute one that we could get out of this situation – he’s never panicked.
“We came back after lockdown and we were seven points adrift but he said that we were good enough as players – everyone has stepped in, to a man. We’ve got a young squad but everyone has been unbelievable and played their part, and everyone deserves it.”
It has been a relative baptism of fire for Walton, who was thrust into action when football resumed in June.
He has been instrumental, making crucial saves at key moments – most notably against Queens Park Rangers, Luton Town and Brentford – to keep Barnsley’s survival hopes alive.
“I’ve had to be patient but I got my chance when I came back and worked really hard in lockdown,” continued the 22-year-old. “I’m happy with my performances, but it’s not just me who gets clean sheets – it’s the whole team from the strikers to the defenders, and it’s put us in good stead to get the points that were needed.”
You can watch Jack's post-match interview on iFollow Barnsley.
