It's been a busy time for Barnsley boss Hart, who has made 11 new signings during the summer as he plans an ssault on the new League One season. One of those 11players to arrive at Oakwell is former Northampton midfielder Paul Reid and GMF's Lawrie Madden caught up with the 22-year-old in the build-up to the opening game of the campaign against the Milton Keynes Dons.
Q:Was it a hard choice to come to Barnsley from Northampton?
A:It was a very tough choice. I had a good season at Northampton and was made Captain. I also appreciated the club because they gave me the opportunity to resurrect my career so it was not an easy one.
Q:What eventually made up your mind for you?
A:I realised that when I came up to the club that it was a step forward. I was impressed with the club and the manager and the chairman helped me fit in and impressed me.
Q:Does that mean you feel the club can achieve something?
A:The Chairman and the manager are looking to take this club a long way and bringing so many new players into the club before the start of the season is the evidence to try and back that up.
Q:With so many new players arriving how have you all gelled so far?
A:We went away to France early on to train and play. It has been a very full pre-season but confidence in the squad is high and if we play as well as we can we are a match for anyone.
Q:What about your position because it seems that the manager seems to have a special role in mind for you?
A:It seems so. The last three friendlies I have been playing in central midfield and just in front of the back four and trying to get the ball and bring it out of defence. I am happy about my role. I just want to be playing.
Q:What do you make of this division this season?
A:I think it is a strong division. I think it is an open division. I can't see any team running away with this division yet there will be five or six teams thinking that they can get promotion.
Q:Paul Hart has a reputation as manager whose teams like to play football. Will that still be the same this season?
A:I think the strength of the side is that all the players are willing to get the ball down and play. I think we are all committed to the club and are willing to put our bodies on the line.
Q:A lot of local derbies in this division?
A:I think that will be great for the fans and create a really good atmosphere. Big games in front of big crowds is what players want.
