Paul Heckingbottom says he is looking forward to a ‘massive atmosphere’ when Derby County sweep into South Yorkshire later today.
Nigel Pearson’s side, backed by several thousand Rams supporters, will make their way to Oakwell for their first away game of the season against newly promoted Barnsley, kick-off: 3pm.
Derby make the trip on the back of their first competitive win of the 2016/17 season – a 1-0 success over Sky Bet League 2 outfit Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup – and will now be looking to secure their first league victory after drawing 0-0 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion a week ago.
The case is almost the same for Barnsley too. The Tykes, back in the second tier following a two-year absence, fell to a 4-2 defeat to Ipswich Town, before they were beaten 2-1 in extra time by Northampton Town in the EFL Cup in midweek.
Heckingbottom, the Barnsley head coach, is looking forward to a special occasion when his side walk out for their first home fixture back in the Championship since the 2013/14 season.
He told the media: “I’m looking forward to it. They always bring a lot of fans up here so I’m looking forward to a massive atmosphere.
“It’s our first Championship game at Oakwell for a long time which we’ve all been looking forward to, so it’s going to feel good.
“That’s who we have got to compete against. We’re ready for it, we’re looking forward to it and that’s the test and challenge that’s in front of us now.
“The games won’t get any easier, regardless of whether it’s home or away, you see it in the Championship that there are always twists and turns in the results. It’s about performing and bringing your best on every given day."
Despite suffering back-to-back defeats, Heckingbottom insists the signs that his Barnsley team are showing are positive.
The 39-year-old is in no doubt that his team are ready and prepared for life back in the second tier after gaining promotion via the League 1 play-offs back in May.
With home advantage behind him and his team, Heckingbottom only has eyes on picking up three points against the Rams to get their season up and running.
He added: “It’s going to be an exciting game, they’ll be coming here looking for three points but we’ll be at home for our second Championship game and we’ll be looking for the three points. It should be interesting!
“We’ve been preparing for how hard this league is going to be, but if anything our recent performances show that we’re definitely ready.
“Just bring on the games now; there are going to be some massive games here this season and I can’t wait for the fans to see the team play, get up against the opposition and put on a show.”
