BARNES: I WANT TO SEIZE MY BIG CHANCE
DILLON Barnes has had to bide his time to become a regular choice at Colchester and the shotstopper is keen to repay the faith shown in him by head coach John McGreal.The 22-year-old waited in the wings as Sam Walker held down the spot between the sticks for four years before the 26-yearold moved to Reading in the summer.
That switch has given Barnes the chance to make the number one spot at Colchester his own and after starting with two clean sheets in the opening two league matches, confidence is high.
“It was brilliant to hear the manager back me at the start of the season – it felt really good knowing that I have the staff and players behind me,” said Barnes.
“I’ve waited a long time for the opportunity and since I’ve been here, I’ve been working hard and learning a lot every day.
“You have to earn that chance and it’s not just given to you but it’s up to me to take it.
“You just have to be patient and wait your turn.
“Sammie did really well in the years that he’s been here and it was better for me to be patient and be ready for the opportunity, when it arrived.”
Barnes has undertaken loan spells at Hemel Hempstead and Welling and the young keeper claims time spent away from Colchester has helped to shape the player he is today.
He said: “If I didn’t go out on-loan, I wouldn’t be the goalkeeper that I am.
“Going out on-loan to Welling and Hemel Hempstead was fantastic for me and I recommend it to any young goalkeeper, to experience men’s football.
“It’s a wake-up call – you open your eyes and think ‘wow, this is the real world’ getting nudged, elbowed, punched and all sorts.”