We are delighted to announce that midfielder Jacob Bland has signed a new contract until the end of the 25/26 season!
Bland joined the Clarets over the summer, having played on loan for Concord Rangers last season. He signed on dual registration terms with Bowers & Pitsea, who he would play for week in week out for the majority of the first part of the season. However with injuries sustained in the Clarets’ midfield Bland got his chance and impressed. He made his full league debut for the Clarets away to Worthing and has gone on to make 13 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
Robbie Simpson commented on Bland’s new deal: “Jacob’s been a real success story of our new structure of the Under 21s.
“He was released from Southend at the end of last season, and he came in pre-season with us and did ever so well.
“We knew straight away really from the first trial game he played that we felt like there could be a future for him and that we needed to get him on the pathway, he totally bought into our program in terms of that next step and the pathway, absolutely totally bought into it.
“He’s trained with us really, really well and went out to Bowers and was one of their top performers in the league below.
“Whenever he’s played for the 21s, he’s really stood out. And obviously, when he’s played with and trained with the first team he’s really stood out as well.
“That led to him being involved in some of our first team matches and whenever he came off the bench, again, he stood out as being, in our opinion, ready for the level.
“He’s started a couple of games and looked really bright also so he’s fully deserved this deal.
“He’s a real shining light on the new structure that we implemented in the summer and I know the club is keen to continue to implement going forward.
“It’s come down to Blandy’s attitude, hard work and performances on the pitch that has warranted this deal and I’m delighted for him.
“Speaking to him he knows that just because he’s got this deal now that’s not the end for him.
“He really wants to kick on in his football career and I’m backing to do so, so we’re delighted that Blandy has committed his future to the Clarets!”
Head of Player Pathway Rob Moore said: “I’m delighted that Jacob has signed a deal with the club.
“His progression this season has been a perfect example of the benefits of having a pathway in place and how dual registration supports a players development.
by