Arriving at Oakwell on a season-long loan from Stoke City, defender Tom Edwards sat down to speak to us after his deadline day arrival.
The 23-year-old became the Reds’ ninth summer arrival on Thursday, returning to England after spending time across the pond with New York Red Bulls, working under a familiar face to Reds fans in Gerhard Struber.
Now, back on home shores, the right-sided defender can’t wait to get going under Michael Duff and the team at Barnsley.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Tom smiled.
“Obviously, I’ve been across the pond for a long time now so to come back over to England and play for such a big club.
“I’ve obviously come down today for the first time, I’ve really enjoyed my time and I can’t wait to get going.”
Edwards has played over 100 games In his career to date, fighting through the youth ranks at his boyhood club at Stoke City to feature in the Premier League for the Potters.
It is clear that he has demonstrated determination and a willingness to compete so far in his career, characteristics that he believes form a big part of his playing style.
“Fight and passion,” asserted Edwards.
“That’s what I’ve relied on in my career. I can bring obviously a bit more than that but, if anything goes wrong, you can always rely on that from me.
“I make sure I give everything every single time I step foot on the field.”
Impressing for Stoke, Edwards made the trip across the Atlantic to play in the ‘Big Apple’ still only being 22 years of age.
The move was a big decision for Edwards, coming at a pivotal point in his career with a necessity to play football.
“I knew that would be a big point in my career,” the Englishman discussed.
“I knew I had to get over there and get playing games again. The MLS is very underrated I feel, to go and play so many games over there in such a great team, it’s been amazing for me.
“I hope I can come back over here now and bring what I’ve learnt from over there and excel over here.”
Another big season follows for Edwards with the Reds, his first in English football for two years.
The versatile defender is chomping at the bit to get going and make his mark in this Barnsley team.
“Success,” he firmly said.
“That’s why I play football and I want success as a team. I want to make sure I can bring everything I can to this Club to get them back to where they should be.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I’m sure it’s a great group of lads. I’ve met all the staff here already now. It’s a great Club.
“I feel like I can give my all and try and get them back to where they should be.”
To watch Tom’s first and exclusive interview in a Reds shirt, click here to watch on iFollow Barnsley.
