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marc roberts
Marc Roberts Main Interview
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Finding a home away from home is something footballers must accept when they make their way into the game. But for one Yorkshireman, setting up base in Birmingham has been an effortless transition.
But it might not have been that way, had Marc Roberts not taken to the Second City quite as he has. In January 2017, the Barnsleyborn defender was made captain of his hometown club - and you will struggle to find anyone more passionate about the town than ‘Robbo’.
But when Blues and Harry Redknapp came knocking in July 2017, Roberts could not say no. Five years and almost 140 appearances later, the 31-year-old has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal, with a further year’s option.
Speaking to Blues News, Roberts explained why the West Midlands quickly became not just a home away from home, but a little more than that.
Robbo, great to be catching up. A new deal recently signed, were you happy to get that done and dusted?
I was really happy to get it over the line. It has been in the pipeline for a bit now. I must admit when I came here it was a little up and down but since the Gaffer came in it has been great. I can only thank him and his team for what they have done, and I am happy to be staying in Birmingham.
The city has made quite the impression on you, why do you think that is?
Honestly, the place really feels like home to me. Apart from the accent [laughing], I think my Yorkshire dialect is too strong to ever go Brummie [laughing]! My family is happy here, I am settled, I love the club and since Lee [Bowyer] and his team came in, I have seen big improvements.
Your stay could reach eight years after you signed the new deal – that is quite a long time for any modern player to stay in one place?
I guess you don’t really see it that often these days do you. For me, I am happy the Club has shown that faith in me and I am confident I can pay that back with performances on the pitch.
Perhaps not five years ago but now you are very much one of the senior lads in that dressing room, does it feel like that?
I am still 18 in my head [laughing]! But honestly, I still feel young, I feel fit, and I came into the professional game late really – owing to my time spent in non-league. I have a lot of mileage in the tank!
What did those days playing at Buxton and Halifax Town teach you?
Mainly how to graft! I appreciate what I have got a little more. I am grounded; a northern lad and I don’t come from much. I appreciate what Birmingham City have done for me and I will pay that back.
Do you hold any ambitions for the next couple of years?
We have been better this season and long-term, under the foundation the gaffer, Craig [Gardner] and the rest of the team are laying, I am confident I can play my part in driving this club forwards.
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