Having recently extended his contract at Oakwell, academy graduate Jordan Helliwell is targeting a productive 22/23 campaign with the Reds.
The 20-year-old has been at Oakwell for a decade and is now looking to establish himself as a regular in our first team matchday squad.
“I’m delighted to sign,” he smiled. “I’m looking forward to getting back into pre-season and working hard and seeing where next season can lead me.”
Helliwell made his Sky Bet Championship debut in our penultimate game of the season as we welcomed Preston North End to Oakwell last month.
That substitute appearance was followed up with a full debut the following weekend at West Bromwich Albion, where he put in a decent showing against a wealth of experience in the Baggies’ line-up.
“It was a massive moment – I didn’t expect it at all,” reflected Helliwell. “To come on for the period of time that I did, I thought I did alright as well. It was massive for me and my family, to come on in the Championship.
“I was pleased with how I played at West Brom. For my first 90 in the Championship against a very good side, I thought that I did well. It was difficult to go into that game but, for Daverz to put me in there and believe that I can play, I was happy.”
Those outings came three-and-a-half years after he made his Reds debut in a Checkatrade Trophy clash at home to Bradford City in November 2018, just a few months after being named our 17/18 Academy Player of the Season.
While it has been a long wait for senior football at Barnsley, the versatile youngster has remained patient and worked hard for his opportunity to impress.
“I didn’t think it’d be that long, but I’ve been working hard and when my chance has come, I was happy to take it,” asserted Helliwell. “I’m just working hard and seeing if next season I can start playing more.
“I’ve got to come back in pre-season, work hard and that’s all I can do and see if the chance comes.”
