Barnsley: Former Barnet star Andy Yiadom's delight at joining Reds

The club formally announced the former Barnet captain last week as well as George Moncur and Elliot Lee.

And the 24-year-old feels he’s got what it takes to shine in the second tier of English football and he wants to learn as much as possible along the way.

“When the season starts I’m confident I can make an impact,” said Yiadom, who bagged seven goals in 43 appearances for the Bees last term. “Every player wants to play the highest level they can and I want to do well for the club.

“No disrespect to other teams but it is a big jump. I’m looking forward to getting started and playing against better players and better teams.

“There are great players here, they obviously proved that last year by getting promoted. There are definitely a few things I can learn from each player to help improve my game and that’s what I want to do.”

Former Reds’ boss Lee Johnson first ignited the interest in Yiadom and it lasted well over a year before the player penned a two-year deal at Oakwell.

But new manager Paul Heckingbottom obviously liked what he saw as he was the one who finally made him a Barnsley boy.

“I was at Barnet (when Lee Johnson left) so I was focused on the job at hand,” added Yiadom. “I was really pleased about it (Barnsley’s continued interest). It was dragging on quite a while and when the move was finally done I was delighted.

“I was on holiday in Thailand but I watched all of their play-off games on TV and I was on the edge of my seat (whilst Barnsley were winning the play-off final).

“I wanted them to do well, they did, and it means I get to come here as a Championship player.”

Yiadom played in different positions during his time at the Hive - most notably at right-back or right wing.

But Heckingbottom is almost scientific in his approach and will no doubt want to mould him into a specific position.

“Personally I think if I’m given a specific position then I’ll be able to learn the ins and outs of that position,” explained Yiadom.

“When I was at Barnet I played in various positions but wherever I’m put I’ve just got to try and learn that position to the best of my ability.

“Wherever I’m put I’ll just try and do the best I can for the team.”

Elsewhere, Walsall have reportedly slapped a £900,000 price tag on Reds’ target Tom Bradshaw.

Barnsley have had two offers for the highly sought-after striker, who scored 20 goals last season, firmly rejected with Heckingbottom saying the two clubs were ‘miles apart’ in their estimation of the player’s value.