Wigan Athletic v Barnsley: Aiden Marsh aiming to be a ‘new hero’ as Reds sign Nigerian international
Wigan Athletic v BarnsleyJUST a few days into the new season, the clock is already ticking for Aiden Marsh.
The Barnsley striker is desperate to stick around at his hometown club in 2024-25, earn the trust of head coach Darrell Clarke and be a firm part of the first-team picture in the here and now – and not just in the future.
It’s no secret that the Reds chief is seeking new additions at the top end of the pitch before August 30.
Equally, a few good performances and goals in August from academy product Marsh, 21, could well convince him that his interests are best served in being among the senior squad at Oakwell this term as opposed to heading out on loan again. He has had previous spells at York City and Scunthorpe United.
For Marsh, who hails from Monk Bretton, every first-team appearance matters.
Wigan’s home ground will be pretty sparsely populated on Tuesday, but the occasion truly carries weight for players like Marsh, should they get the nod with Clarke having confirmed that one or two younger players are likely to be given the stage this evening.
Marsh, who scored just his second goal for the club in round one of the competition 12 months ago, said: “I want to play football here at Barnsley. It’s my club and where I want to play my games.
“Every year is a big one. You can’t take your foot off the gas no matter how young or old you are, you have just got to go for it. Two very good players (Devante Cole and John McAtee) have moved on now and it’s time for new heroes and there’s players in and around the club who are good enough to step up and you have got to take your opportunity when it arises.
“Just wear your heart on your sleeve and do as much as you can and that’s what I am doing. It’s about pitching in with goals and assists and I like getting in people’s faces and press and that’s a different side of the game to what other people have.”
Marsh’s attitude is positively infectious and his work in pre-season has not gone unnoticed by Clarke. But now the serious stuff has begun. Should opportunities arise, chances must be grasped.
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