Aiden Marsh spoke about bouncing back from Friday night’s defeat against Mansfield and “pushing on” on a personal level ahead of tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup first round tie at Wigan Athletic. Speaking to the press in preview of tomorrow night’s clash, Marsh provided some context to the result at Oakwell, and spoke about the positives of his own performance. “Mansfield wasn’t the result we hoped for or worked towards," began the young forward. "It’s always hectic at the start of the opening game of the season, but we had a lot of decent chances to get level, and it just didn’t drop for us. On a personal note, it was great to be out there at Oakwell.” Marsh came close towards the end of the game with a close-range finish which troubled the Mansfield ‘stopper, and he spoke about wanting to develop this part of his game as the season progress: “I thought I’d got some nice solid contact on it, but the keeper stayed planted. "It’s about finding the right positions, and it’s hard to find space, so in future I just need to stay calm and work the keeper. Everyone’s going to get opportunities, so it’s just about showing what you’ve got and converting them.” “My dream is to smash it for Barnsley, but I’ve got to get there. I’ll be treating every game as it comes, and every game is a new challenge. I might be seen as a younger playing, but now’s the time to hit the ground running, get my confidence high and really push on.” - Aiden Marsh (Aiden Marsh speaking pre-Wigan Athletic) The Reds’ forward detailed about the progress he’s made during a lengthy preseason where he has featured heavily, and expanded about seizing chances given to him: “During preseason, I’ve been building on minutes, coming off the bench, and doing everything I can to help the team out. There’s an opportunity to be involved, so you’ve got to grab it with both hands and take it.” Aiden also spoke highly of new Barnsley Head Coach, saying that everyone involved with the playing squad has “bought in” to his ideas and way of playing, which the Reds frontman also suits his own style of play well: “The gaffer’s just told us to go out there and wear our hearts on our sleeves. I like to get in people’s faces and press, so that suits me and hopefully I can pitch in with goals and assists.” On a personal footing, Marsh talked about the positive mark that Assistant Head Coach, Jon Stead, had provided to his own game, as a fellow former forward. “[Steady’s] been really helpful to me, he’s had an amazing career and played at the very top level. He’s got knowhow in and around the box, which is where the money is, so if there’s anything you can take off him, you’d be silly not to listen. We’ve spent at least twice a week after training focusing on first time finishes in and around the eighteen yard box, sniffing around the right areas for the right goals, and having the temperament to be cool, calm and collected in those positions.” Also crucial to Marsh’s development this season have been the acquisitions of player-coach, Conor Hourihane, and defender, Marc Roberts, who returned to Oakwell this summer following incredibly successful initial spells with the club. Aiden spoke about the impact of being involved with the duo now in a first team setting, saying: “I sat in the stands watching Conor and Marc every week as a kid. It’s amazing to pick their brains, and nice to have them around. They demand a high standard on the pitch, and they’ve been there and done it – so if there’s any advice or expertise, I’m there to take it.” Aiden also expanded on his own passion for the Carabao Cup, and his desire to showcase his abilities in cup games this season. “I’m hoping to play a decent part at Wigan, I love the Carabao Cup. I feel like I’m ready, when I played last season in it, I feel like I affected the game, and if I can get off to a flyer, get that first goal in early doors, I think it’d be great. These cup games are an opportunity, no matter who is playing, we all want to go in every game and win. Everyone’s good enough, so we need to put in a performance and prove it.” “My dream is to smash it for Barnsley, but I’ve got to get there. I’ll be treating every game as it comes, and every game is a new challenge. I might be seen as a younger playing, but now’s the time to hit the ground running, get my confidence high and really push on.” Continue reading...