Young forward signs a new contract until 2022 after a superb breakthrough season.
Jacob Brown has spoken with barnsleyfc.co.uk after signing a contract extension until 2022, to remain at Oakwell for at least another three years.
The ‘star man’, as he’s affectionately known to the Reds’ fanbase, said he was delighted to remain at a club he loves and continue to progress in his career.
He said: “It’s a great feeling for me, knowing the club are showing faith in me and I am glad it was sorted quickly so I can just concentrate on coming back after the summer break and focus on my football and the Championship. I’m really grateful to the club and they’ve explained how this is a reward to me for hard work.”
Brown is one of a number of young players who have been given an opportunity this season, with the 21-year-old taking his opportunity and cementing a place in Daniel Stendel’s starting XI. The forward explained how much it means to him and others that there is trust shown in him.
“It’s very important to me and many others at the club. As we showed last season, age doesn’t matter if you’re good enough, if you can just take that chance when you have the opportunity, anything can happen. It’s great to be at a club like this, where you can express yourself even if you’re at a young age.”
With his breakthrough season resulting in 38 matches played, with eight goals from a wide position, along with receiving the EFL’s coveted ‘Young Player of the Month’ award for January, Brown feels that once he gained confidence, it allowed him to progress.
“At the start of the season I never expected to play as many games as I have, never mind get as many goals or assists as I have. Now that’s happened, I know I need to kick on from here and beat that next season, I want to keep improving and giving everything for Barnsley which is why I was so happy to sign.
“I think it was a confidence thing. When I first came into the team it maybe was an issue for me, but towards the end of the season I just really believed in my own ability and really took my opportunities, it was a great feeling for me and I hope it showed in the last few games.
“When I first got in the side in like January, I was a bit nervous but the Gaffer told me he wanted to play me after the way I had trained, he said he had to play me. In the first game after he said that to me, I got a goal and an assist and I didn’t look back from there. With how well last season went, I think next season we can go at it like we did this year then see where it takes us.”
Now it’s about rest and recuperation, with big ambitions next season and a plan to attack the Sky Bet Championship with a squad of players that Brown feels can compete together.
“I think we’re going to do a lot of work in pre-season about how we want to play, it’s all about working hard both on and off the pitch, learning and developing, then that will give us all the right idea about what we want to do next season and help to get some good results.
“The Gaffer and the other coaches have all told us what is expected from us over the summer, keeping fit and coming back in good condition, but he wants us to have a break as well and then he’ll speak to us properly in pre-season. We’ll all be having our meetings about what we need to do individually and as a team.”
And finally, the question that will be asked to many players and teams as they head up a level, just what does Jacob think the league will have instore for him and what team does he most look forward to testing himself against…
“I think the first game I’ll look for is Sheffield Wednesday, home or away, I’m looking forward to that one and I know the fans will be as well. After that it’s all the other Yorkshire derbies, they are always great games and it’s the type of game that you want to play in.
“When I made my debut, it was in the Championship. I didn’t play much but I knew the standard was so high. With how well we played this season, I know that there is quality and belief in this squad that we can do well, it’s just hard work now and we can get the right results. Last time round didn’t end how we wanted it to do so, but now it’s time to have a good go at it.”
