Barnsley: New arrival hopes his experience can help Reds in survival mission

Marcel Ritzmaier finds himself in a unique position at Barnsley.
Barnsley v Huddersfield Town
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Barnsley's Conor Chaplin scores their second goal and celebrates with Jacob BrownBarnsley v Huddersfield Town
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Barnsley's Conor Chaplin scores their second goal and celebrates with Jacob Brown
Barnsley v Huddersfield Town Skybet Championship Barnsley's Conor Chaplin scores their second goal and celebrates with Jacob Brown

The Austrian midfielder followed Gerhard Struber to Oakwell from Wolfsberger last week as the Reds look to strengthen their squad in January.

In doing so, he saw his new club willing to renege on a strict transfer policy of only signing players 23 and under.

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At 26, Ritzmaier, who made his debut in Saturday's 2-1 win over Huddersfield, is hardly over the hill but he is one of the oldest players in his new dressing room.

And he says he is happy to bring some experience to the club.

“I am 26, so I am one of the older players here I am told,” he said.

“I prefer to play in the midfield, usually the number eight position but all across midfield is OK.

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“I have some experience to bring here, as I have played in the Europa League, eight-and-a-half years in the Netherlands and now a year-and-a-half in Austria.

“I’ve played a lot of games, so I will try to help the team now with my experience.

“I am left-footed, I can read the game well and put the strikers in front of the goal.

"I can cross and take corners or free-kicks, so yes I am able to help the team.”

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He has a close relationship with Struber, having helped Wolfsberger surprise a few in the Europa League this season.

“I know him as a trainer and a person; I worked with him at my last club,” added Ritzmaier.

“We have a good relationship and he tells me positive things about the club and the Championship and English football, so I was sure I would come here.”