Bobby Thomas has admitted that he is excited for what’s ahead in the coming months after the promising young defender joined Barrow on loan from Burnley for the rest of the season.
The 19-year-old star is very highly rated by the hierarchy at Turf Moor, having been at the club since 2017 and pushed himself into the First Team picture and a senior debut earlier this term.
Having spent time on a youth loan at Kendal Town in his younger days, Thomas is now delighted at the prospect of taking the next big step in his development with The Bluebirds.
“I can’t wait to get to get started,” the young centre-back told us.
“I am excited about getting out on loan and I am just looking to go and prove myself in the Football League where it means something every week and every game for the team.
“It’s a different level from the Under-23s where you’re playing for progression and to develop players and a team - this is playing to win, and I can’t wait to be part of that.
“I am excited to get going and now we just want to crack on to make sure that we keep Barrow in the Football League and hopefully I can play well and enjoy it as well.
“I know the boys will have a target to keep slowly digging away at it, picking up points and start moving away from the bottom part of the table and work our way up it now.”
Thomas was in high demand during the January transfer window with clubs queuing up to take the teenage prospect on loan but Barrow boss Michael Jolley moved swiftly to seal a deal.
The youngster revealed that speaking to Jolley played a big role in his decision to join Barrow – as did a conversation with former Bluebirds loan star Jimmy Dunne, who is Thomas’ teammate at Turf Moor.
“I had a good discussion with the Manager over the phone and I spoke to some of the staff at the Club too and I just got a good feeling about it,” he revealed.
“Jimmy (Dunne) gave me a call the other week and we had a little chat about loans and different clubs, and he gave me some advice too.
“I am good mates with Jimmy, we both made our debuts in the Millwall game together earlier this season, so when I spoke to him, he gave me plenty of good comments on Barrow as a club.
“That helps put your mind at rest because it’s always going to be part of the process to go into a new changing room and a new squad but it’s something you just have to tackle, try and be yourself and play your football.
“I feel like this is the right move for me at this point in my career so hopefully I can come in and it can go well for me and for Barrow.”