Toby Sibbick says Barnsley have been ‘written off’ but the squad will enjoy proving their doubters wrong.
The 20-year-old defender is the only player to have started each league match this season for the Reds who are currently bottom of the Championship. He told the Chronicle: “When people have written you off, you can only go out there and prove them wrong. I am sure a lot of people have already done that to us. We have got full faith in the changing room that we can climb back up the league table.”
Sibbick praised caretaker Adam Murray and his reaction to the 2-2 draw at leaders West Bromwich Albion, having been 2-0 ahead. He said: "People had their heads down in the dressing room but he said: ‘boys, pick your heads up because it’s a great result and performance.’
“The story of our season is making too many individual errors, conceding sloppy goals and, as soon as we get that out of our system, the better. We’re together as a group, the boys are staying strong in the changing room and the bond between us is amazing. “We’re a young group, as everyone says, but very good footballers as well.
“We’re thankful for the job Adam is doing and long may it continue. With many teams when they lose a manager, they can go one way or the other. The style hasn’t changed but we have more structure. He’s got the boys laughing and joking but we are serious as well at the same time.”
Sibbick began the season as a right-back then, after a spell as a central midfielder, returned to his natural position of centre-back and is now playing in a back three in a 3-5-2 formation. He said: “I feel comfortable there. I played there for Wimbledon as a scholar. Part of being a footballer is being able to play in different positions. The system is working well.
“Kenny Dougall is one of the best players I have played with. He sweeps up in front of us in defence and starts attacks like for our first goal on Tuesday.”
Sibbick is now hoping for victory at Huddersfield Town tomorrow. He said: “They are in and around us. We want to go to win and, if we play the way we have, chances will come our way and I am sure our strikers will put them in. It’s a long season, but, the sooner we get three points, the better.”
