Barnsley: Jacob Brown knows expectations on him will on increase

Having just been handed his second new contract in the space of six months, it could be easy for Jacob Brown to rest on his laurels.
Jacob BrownJacob Brown
Jacob Brown

The 21-year-old last week agreed a fresh deal to keep him at Oakwell until 2022, a contract which was rich reward for his performances last season in what was a breakout year.

Brown scored eight goals, adding six assists in 38 appearances as he was a key player in the brilliant League One promotion campaign.

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But the Halifax-born winger knows more will be expected of him next season now he has proved his ability.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Brown took his time to get going in what was his first real taste of regular action, but he delivered when it mattered the most.

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Four of his eight goals came in the final seven games of the season, helping to deliver vital points which saw the Reds over the line in a tight three-way battle for automatic promotion.

The youngster admitted he struggled with nerves when he first got into the side.

“I think it was a confidence thing,” he added. “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.

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“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.”

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