Barnsley are going to Preston North End tomorrow to win for Jeffrey Wroe, the fan who died after suffering a cardiac arrest during the 2-2 draw with Derby County on Wednesday.
Conor Chaplin is one of several players who has donated money to Mr Wroe's family via a crowdfunding site. His shot was diverted in by Cauley Woodrow for the injury-time equaliser.
He told the Chronicle: “That goal was a fitting tribute to Jeffrey. Everyone is devastated about that. The lads have come together and want to make sure the family is well-looked after. It was such a sad moment. Thankfully that goal was a little reminder that we are all together.
“Football goes aside when something like that happens. All our thoughts are with Jeffrey’s family, not just me but all the boys in the changing room and staff at the club. It would be a great tribute if we could go to Preston and win for him. It’s extra motivation.”
Coach Chris Stern added: “Every person in the stands, the players are linked with. This kind of incident haunts the players. We can only say our thoughts are with him and we want to go to Preston and win for Jeffrey.
“We weren’t aware of it, we were focused on the game. Afterwards we were told the sad news. I am sorry for the family and friends of Jeffrey and we can only give our full support.”
Third-bottom Barnsley will be hoping to go into the international break with a win at Preston who have the best home record in the division and are joint top-scorers.
Stern said: “We know about the importance of the game. It’s only three pints but it would give us a better feeling and maybe see us step up some places in the table.
“It’s a good team, they have good quality as well as defending pretty good as a unit. It will be a very good challenge for us to go there. They are a well-organised team who don’t concede many goals. We analysed them and we will travel there to win the game.”
