After joining from Middlesbrough in January, Charlie Lennon has settled into the first-team setup at Oakwell.

The 20-year-old has had to be patient, but a memorable debut - which saw Lennon net a 90+6-minute equaliser against Wigan Athletic - announced him on the big stage.

Reflecting on the last four months, Lennon speaks well of his opening weeks at Oakwell.

“Yeah, I've loved it. Coming to the club, I don’t know, just seeing the people, the fans and the new teammates I've had, it’s been made quite easy. And something that’s made that easier is the fact that there are quite a lot of young players who are obviously my profile, trying to break into men’s football after playing non-league academy football.

“I’m quite close with a few of the lads my age, but there are also some older lads who I get on with very well. Having people your age, as well as experience and the things they’ve come through, it does help.

“I’m really close with Rey (Reyes Cleary), Blandy (Jonathan Bland) and PK (Patrick Kelly). I also get on really well with Didzy (David McGoldrick) and Tennai (Watson) – they really helped me settle in. And obviously, having senior players help you just makes you feel more involved with the team.

“They’ve gone through everything you’re going through now (experienced players). Everyone’s path is different, but the bottom line is you have to work hard and go through the process of getting into the team and proving yourself time and time again. They’re at an age where they’ve seen the game at a high level, so it’s really good to learn from them. Seeing how someone like Didzy conducts himself, the career he’s had and how he is with everyone - it’s really nice.”

Lennon’s debut came against the Latics on 17 March, exactly three months after penning a three-and-a-half-year deal at Oakwell.

Having made a couple of appearances for the Reds, Lennon now feels he is getting to grips with the demands of first-team football in the third tier.

“It’s been slow and steady, but I feel like I’m getting there now. Obviously, I’ve played a couple of games, but I’m working hard and aiming to get more every day. I’ve had to be patient and work really hard to get my chance initially. I’m just focused on trying to do as much as I can to get on the pitch and show the first-team staff that I’m ready.

“I feel like this period is very transitional and I’m learning a lot. It’s been hard, but you have to deal with it mentally. It’s made me appreciate things more and taught me lessons about staying strong mentally and working hard, even when you aren’t getting on the pitch. When the time comes, I know I’ll be ready because I’ve done everything properly. If we go on a run in the future, it’ll make you appreciate it even more.”

Before arriving in South Yorkshire, Lennon enjoyed a loan spell with Darlington FC in the National League North from Boro.

Making 19 appearances for the Quakers, Lennon developed his physical game in a competitive environment, which helped his conditioning ahead of the move to the Reds.

“It is quite physical [in League One], but when I was on loan that was something I got used to and it helped me develop. It is intense, but I feel like I’m up to that standard.”

The move to Barnsley didn’t just represent a new chapter in Lennon’s footballing career, but also a chance to spread his wings and move away from his hometown for the first time.

However, Lennon sees many similarities between Middlesbrough and Barnsley.

“I don’t think it’s too much different to where I’m from. Northern people are quite similar in a lot of ways. Everyone cares about the football club, and I feel like the town is centred around it, which is nice. It’s been good.

“The main thing is the fans care about the football club. Whether it’s positive or negative at times, it all comes from passion. I understand the frustrations, but at the end of the day they just want to see the club do well, and I appreciate that.”

As debuts go, Lennon’s was a memorable one. Rescuing a point at the death in front of the Ponty End and Sky Sports cameras after coming on late is what dreams are made of for a young professional.

It was an important step in his journey, according to the winger himself.

“The goal itself wasn’t anything special, but it was a reward for everything I’ve done to get here. It’s not a coincidence - everything builds the foundation for that moment. It’s the same now. I haven’t played the last couple of games, but I just keep doing what I’m doing and another reward will come.

“That’s what I’ve done all my life - take people on. I’ve always tried to do something different. There’s no reason to change that; it’s what’s got me to where I am.”

Looking ahead, Lennon is optimistic about the future at Oakwell. Using this campaign as a platform to build from, the winger is soaking up every experience to take into next season.

“Obviously, I’m new at the club. I want to come in, do my bit, put in good performances and help turn things around, whether that’s this season or next season. I’m just hungry to make my mark, play games and hopefully excite the fans.

“Anything this season is experience and will set me up for next season. Next year, I want to really make my mark, play lots of games and I feel confident and ready. Everything this season has hopefully set me up well for what’s to come.”

Latest News - Barnsley FC

Message History

Delivery option(s)