Barnsley defender breaks silence after Bristol Rovers exit and Joey Barton comments

Barnsley defender Bobby Thomas said he enjoyed his time at Bristol Rovers - and that he was not phased by Joey Barton's comments which followed after his departure.

Thomas spent the first part of the 2022/23 season on loan with the Gas, joining on a season-long loan, and featured regularly. He played 26 times across all competitions, getting three goals and an assist. Thomas played in various systems, including a back three and as part of a two-man partnership alongside James Connolly and Lewis Gibson.

He was recalled however by the Tykes in mid-January, and on the same afternoon news broke of his recall, he was announced as a new signing for Barnsley, and took his place amongst the substitutes. He has since gone on to reunite with Michael Duff, who he worked with at his parent club Burnley, and has helped them in their pursuit of a promotion spot.

"I really enjoyed my time at Bristol Rovers," said Thomas to BBC's Football Heaven when asked to assess his first loan spell of the campaign.

"I feel like I played 25 plus games and in a short period of time it’s given me a little bit of experience that I have needed to kick on and perform like I am here."

In the immediate aftermath of Thomas' departure, Barton did admit that he was fantastic for Rovers, but that they had 'had enough of him'. Rovers had been in the market for new centre-backs, and ended up signing England Under-19 international Jarell Quansah from Liverpool. Ahead of last week's meeting with Barnsley a fortnight ago, Barton said had he had an option of choosing either Thomas or Quansah from the start of the campaign, it would be the latter.

Asked if he was disappointed by Barton's comments made after his exit from the Memorial Stadium, he responded: "Not really no, it’s just a part of football isn’t it? Just crack on."

Thomas could be available for a permanent transfer in the summer should the Tykes win promotion, and he is open to the idea of remaining at Oakwell.

"I think there is options and I’m not sure what the specifics are but I am sure they will be talked about in the background but I'm not too sure, I don't really want to get involved.

"Yes most definitely, why wouldn't I? It's a nice stadium, fans and football's ace, I've not really had a bad moment here. It's definitely something you'd consider but I'm more focused on the next game, and it sounds boring the old cliche, you never know what comes around the corner.