2007/2008 proved something of a watershed for Jacob as he spent most of the season in and around the first team squad. He was a regular at reserve team level and made five appearances for the senior side, including a brief chance in the second half at Wembley. Jacob started his first match for the Reds at Cardiff City on the final day of the season and looks set for a bigger part to play in 2008/2009

Again a regular for the reserves, Jacob did make more of an impact at first team level during 2008/2009, clocking up four further appearances and picking up the Young Player of the Year award.

He started in the first match of 2009/2010 against Sheffield Wednesday - bagging his first goal in front of the travelling Red Army - helping the Reds on their way to a 2-2 draw. Jacob has proven to be a solid performer in the Championship, and is continuously working hard to improve his all-round game.


Jacob celebrates his first professional goal against Sheff Wed.

In 2010/2011, 'Butts' really came into his own, and never disappointed with his creative instinct and eye for the killer pass. He capped off a great season with a wonder-strike against Bristol City - earning himself Barnsley FC's Goal of the Season.