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BARNSLEY: Nightmare debut has left no scars on Potter
FRESH from signing a new one-year deal at Oakwell, teenager Luke Potter is desperate for his next appearance in a Barnsley shirt.
That's not the only reason mind, the 19-year-old is keen to banish the memory of his only start thus far – a 7-0 thrashing at West Brom back in May 2007.
Left-back Potter signed new terms at Barnsley last month after impressing onlookers during his loan spell at Kettering Town in the Blue Square Premier last term.
The Barnsley-born footballer relished the opportunity to make 22 appearances for the Poppies and is now hoping for something similar with the Tykes in the Coca-Cola Championship next term.
Potter's debut was very much one to forget – the then 17-year-old given a baptism of fire in defence as West Brom mauled the Tykes 7-0 at the Hawthorns in the last game of season 2006-07.
The Barnsley youngster insists the experience has not left him scarred – even if it has provided the perfect opportunity for some ribbing off his mates.
"you can't think about it," Potter said. "You've got to get on with it. You can't change it.
"I keep looking forward to my next one. I've had a bit of stick off my friends and family after the West Brom game.
"They have been saying 'flipping heck, one game and it was 7-0, what's next'? But I will have to prove them wrong."
Potter certainly proved his worth on loan at Kettering last term where he was a consistent performer after joining on transfer deadline day in January.
The youngster also spent two months on loan at Stafford Rangers in 2007 – making six appearances – and says both spells away from Oakwell have proved invaluable in maturing him as a player.
"My loan spell was good, I went to Kettering and I learnt a lot," he said.
"We just missed out on the play-offs but we had a good side and it was a good experience – I was playing every week or twice a week.
"I think it's good for young players and I was playing with experienced players there.
"I learnt a lot from experienced players like Darren Wrack and from Nicky Eaden, the assistant manager.
"I also went to Stafford last year and that was fine as well but I was only there for a month.
"I injured my achilles there and then immediately came back.
"I definitely think it helps you being on loan, you gain experience and you get used to playing in front of a lot of people.
"Apart from my debut, all I had before was reserve games and it's not really the same."
Potter received the ultimate reward on his return from Rockingham Road with a new contract – something the Yorkshire teenager was only too happy to sign.
"I signed the deal about a month ago now and I was just glad to get it all sorted," he said.
"Now I just want to push on and stake my claim for next year.
"I've just signed for one year and we'll go from there but I want to be playing games now.
"I have had plenty of experience playing on loan and now I want to be playing regular football. I want to push on a bit. I think I'm ready and you can't judge that until you've had a run.
"I'm sure that I'm ready but I need that run of games."
a long run of games in the Tykes first team would be the dream ticket for Potter, born in Darton and having come through the ranks since joining the club's academy as an 11-year-old.
A true "Barnsley lad", Potter was alarmed to see his side's flirtations with relegation last term but insists that 2009-10 under boss Simon Davey promises to be better.
"It was hard last year as you want to help out but you are out on loan," he said.
"You come back and you hear the results and it's like they are getting beaten again and you want to help.
"We have got a good side and we underachieved last year.
"I think with a couple of decent signings we will be safe easily next year and we should finish mid-table."
Should he be given the go-ahead, Potter has vowed to give everything for the shirt.
"I've been here since the age of 11 and it's like playing for the club you have always supported," he said.
"All my family live in Barnsley and I am a Barnsley lad through and through.
"If I was to play every week it would be the best thing that could happen.
"I don't want to be anywhere else, I want to play for Barnsley first team."
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