Barnsley: George Moncur wants to repay Paul Heckingbottom next season

The 22-year-old signed a three-year deal last week, joining Andy Yiadom and Elliot Lee at Oakwell.

The former Colchester player, who bagged 14 goals last term, was a source of major interest for new boss Paul Heckingbottom at the backend of last season.

Barnsley managed to fight off a number of other clubs to land the signature of the highly-rated midfielder. Moncur is aiming to repay the faith shown in him once the season finally gets underway.

“I’m delighted to be here and hopefully I can bring some more footballing ability to the team,” said Moncur, who scored twice against the Reds last season. “My dad (former West Ham midfielder John) watched a lot of their games last year and he said they’d be good for me.

“They like to pass the ball about and that’s how I like to play so hopefully it’s a good match. Hopefully I can play in the middle of the park. I’ve played out wide but I prefer to play centrally, but I just want to get out there and do well for the team.”

Moncur has been joined at Oakwell by Lee, whom he played with at the West Ham academy and at Colchester last year whilst the 21-year-old was on loan. And he is delighted to have a friend with him for the move up north.

“Like Andy (Yiadom) I’m from down south, so coming up north will probably be a bit of a different scene,” admitted Moncur. “I’ve known Elliot for years.

“Off the field we’re great friends so it’s nice to have him up here with me.

“At the minute we’re up in an apartment but I’ll probably get my own place once I’m settled in.

“He’s really sharp, lively and he’s probably one of the best finishers that I’ve ever seen so hopefully he can bring that here.

“You’ve got bigger teams like Newcastle and Norwich so it’s going to be great to play at some of those stadiums.

“Every game’s a big game, it’s a big step up from League One. It’s a hard task but hopefully the lads can get through it and do really well in the league.”

Barnsley kick off their pre-season campaign away against Stalybridge Celtic tomorrow.