Defender Gary Monk signed last month on loan from Southampton and has immediately impressed the Barnsley fans after being thrown into the first team straightaway. Monk is no stranger to these parts as he was on loan with Sheffield Wednesday last season. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with the centre half after seeing his side draw with Wednesday in a fiery South Yorkshire derby.
Q:A FAIR RESULT, ESPECIALLY WITH THE SENDING OFF'S WHICH REDUCED BOTH TEAMS TO TEN MEN?
A:It was a big game, a local derby with over 20,000 fans here so there was a lot riding on the match. I think that it was a fair result although we probably had more clear cut chances so we are a little disappointed as well.
Q:HOW DID IT FEEL PLAYING AGAINST MANY OF THE PLAYERS YOU PLAYED WITH AT WEDNESDAY LAST SEASON?
A:There were a lot of familiar faces and also some new faces, like Mark Robins who played against and who has only recently gone to the club. I really enjoyed my time at Wednesday last season even though it was not the best for the club. I had three months there battling against relegation but it was great from a personal point of view. I played in the Sheffield derby and that was an amazing atmosphere and it is always good to play in front of big crowds.
Q:YOU WERE BATTLING AGAINST RELEGATION LAST TIME YOU WERE ON LOAN, NOW YOU'RE GOING FOR PROMOTION. WHAT'S THAT BEEN LIKE?
A:I think it is hard going into a team that is battling against the drop. The confidence was not there and it would have been different if the team was higher up the league and playing well. Confidence was low around Hillsborough, but it's obviously a lot higher at Barnsley and I'm enjoying it.
Q:HAS IT ALL BEEN A GOOD EXPERIENCE FOR YOU THOUGH?
A:I think my time at Hillsborough improved me as a player and it was a good experience. To be fair you never want to be playing in a team that faces that situation but it was a learning curve that will be good for me in the future. The main difference between Hillsborough and Barnsley is that we are playing a different type of football and the dressing room has confidence at the moment.
Q:DO YOU FIND IT EASY TO SETTLE IN AT A NEW CLUB ON LOAN?
A:I don't know if there is a secret but I have settled in really well here and I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Oakwell. The lads are great and I am working with a good manager so I am really happy at the moment so that is probably the answer.
Q:YOU HAVE PLAYED A FEW POSITIONS FOR VARIOUS CLUBS. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS YOUR BEST POSITION?
A:I finally got to play at centre half last week and I feel that is my best position to be fair. I came on as sub in midfield against Bristol City and then played there against Stockport. I don't mind if the gaffer wants me as a midfielder - it was a new experience for me personally because I had not played there before but I enjoyed the County game even though it was not the best of results.
Q:HAPPY IN MIDFIELD?
A:Well I enjoyed myself a lot and it was nice to know that the gaffer thinks I can play in midfield if needed. I enjoyed playing there but I feel more comfortable at the back and it was nice to get back there this week.
Q:WHAT ABOUT YOUR FUTURE AFTER THE LOAN PERIOD?
A:I am not sure really. I just want to play first team football and that is what I am doing at the moment. Most players want first team football so when the opportunity came I took it. I will play here and then see what happens at the end.
