Jake Young (footballer)

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Jake Young
Young in 2022
Personal information
Full name Jake Alan Young[1]
Date of birth (2001-07-22) 22 July 2001 (age 22)[2]
Place of birth Huddersfield, England[3]
Height 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)[2]
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Bradford City
Number 28
Youth career
Shelley Juniors
2017–2019 Guiseley
2019–2020 Sheffield United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2020–2022 Forest Green Rovers 51 (9)
2022– Bradford City 11 (2)
2023 → Barrow (loan) 17 (0)
2023–2024 → Swindon Town (loan) 25 (16)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:11, 13 February 2024 (UTC)

Jake Alan Young (born 22 July 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League Two club Bradford City.

Young joined Sheffield United from Guiseley in 2019, though moved on to Forest Green Rovers in July 2020 without playing a first-team game for Sheffield United. He played over 50 games for Forest Green, helping the club to win the League Two title in the 2021–22 campaign, and was signed to Bradford City in May 2022. He spent the second half of the 2022–23 season on loan at Barrow and was loaned out to Swindon Town for the 2023–24 season, though was recalled to Bradford halfway through after scoring 16 goals in 25 League Two fixtures.

Career[edit]

Early career[edit]

Born in Huddersfield, Young grew up supporting Huddersfield Town.[3] He moved from Shelley Juniors to Guiseley in 2017.[4] He scored six goals in one FA Youth Cup match against Ossett United and was an unused substitute for the first-team in an FA Cup match.[5] He moved to Sheffield United after impressing manager Chris Wilder on trial in January 2019,[4] but was released by the club before he signed for Forest Green Rovers in July 2020.[6][7]

Forest Green Rovers[edit]

Young scored his first goal for Forest Green Rovers in an EFL Trophy tie against West Bromwich Albion U21s on 6 October 2020.[8] His first league goal came eleven days later, in a 2–0 win over Stevenage at The New Lawn, in which he was also named as man of the match.[9] He scored eight goals in 33 appearances throughout the 2020–21 campaign.[8] Mark Cooper, sacked as manager shortly before the season's end, said that Young possessed "Premier League ability", but needed to contribute more defensively.[10] Young scored four goals in 29 games in the 2021–22 season as Rovers were promoted as champions of League Two under the management of Rob Edwards.[11]

Bradford City[edit]

In May 2022, Young signed for Bradford City for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.[12][13][14] He said that working with manager Mark Hughes was the main attraction.[15] He scored on his debut for the club, an equalising goal in an eventual 3–2 loss away at Barrow on 6 August 2022.[16][17] By 8 September, he had scored three goals in the past two games, but said that he aware that a first-team place was not guaranteed due to the size of the squad.[18] His goal against Walsall was nominated for the League Two goal of the month for September.[19] However, by January 2023 he had not played in the League since mid-September, and had only made two EFL Trophy appearances since (both in October), with Hughes saying that there were players ahead of him in the squad.[20]

On 14 January 2023, Young joined League Two side Barrow on loan for the remainder of the 2022–23 season.[21][22][23] At the time Barrow manager Pete Wild described Young as a "top player",[24] with Wild later saying that Young was starting to impress him with his performances.[25]

Ahead of the 2023–24 season, Young was told that he could find a new club.[26] In July 2023, Hughes revealed that Young had rejected loan moves away from the club.[27] He missed the club's pre-season trip to Spain, and played with the youth team in a friendly against Bradford (Park Avenue).[28] On 2 August, Young signed for League Two rivals Swindon Town on loan for the 2023–24 season.[29][30][31] On 26 August, Young scored four goals against Crawley Town in a 6–0 rout.[32] After three goals early in the season, he was described as an "instant hit" at Swindon,[33] and after scoring seven goals in four games, he was nominated for the League Two August 2023 Player of the Month award,[34] which Young won.[35][36] He also won the November Player of the Year award.[37] Young said he was playing the best football of his career at Swindon.[38]

In December 2023, new Bradford City manager Graham Alexander suggested that he would recall Young, who was the league's top-scorer, from his loan in January 2024.[39] Young spoke about the difficulty in being frozen out by Hughes.[40] On 2 January 2024, he was recalled by his parent club.[41][42] Alexander said that Young would feature in his first-teams plans,[43] whilst Swindon manager Michael Flynn was praised for "reviving" Young's career.[44] Young attracted attention from League One clubs in the January transfer window,[45][46] although a preliminary bid from one club was rejected for being too low,[47] whilst former club Swindon were "priced out" of bidding for the player.[48] Alexander said that Young would be considered for first-team action when he returned from a slight injury which had seen him miss two matches.[49] A second bid for Young was also rejected,[50] with Carlisle United describing the asking price as "ridiculous".[51] Carlisle manager Paul Simpson later apologised for his comments.[52] A third bid was also rejected,[53] whilst Derby County and Charlton Athletic were said to be interested.[54]

Young returned to training in January 2024,[55] whilst Alexander defended himself against criticism from fans about Young.[56] Young returned to bradford's first-team on 27 January 2024, appearing as a substitute in a 2–0 defeat away at former club Swindon.[57] His return was heralded by teammate Alex Gilliead,[58] and assistant manager Chris Lucketti.[59] He then suffered an injury in a match,[60] later undergoing hamstring surgery.[61] He was later ruled out for the rest of the season.[62]

Style of play[edit]

Young is a forward with great pace and finishing ability.[10]

Personal life[edit]

Young played tennis as a youth, playing in national tournaments, but gave up the sport to pursue a football career.[63]

Career statistics[edit]

As of match played 13 February 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup EFL Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Forest Green Rovers 2020–21[8] League Two 29 6 1 1 0 0 3[a] 1 33 8
2021–22[11] League Two 22 3 1 0 2 0 4[b] 1 29 4
Total 51 9 2 1 2 0 7 2 62 12
Bradford City 2022–23[17] League Two 7 2 0 0 2 0 3[b] 2 12 4
2023–24[64] League Two 4 0 0 0 0 0 1[b] 0 5 0
Total 11 2 0 0 2 0 4 2 17 4
Barrow (loan) 2022–23[17] League Two 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 0
Swindon Town (loan) 2023–24[64] League Two 25 16 0 0 1 0 0 0 26 16
Career total 104 27 2 1 5 0 11 4 122 32
  1. ^ 2 appearances and 1 goal in the EFL Trophy; 1 appearance in the play-offs.
  2. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

Honours[edit]

Forest Green Rovers

Individual

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Forest Green Rovers" (PDF). English Football League. 11 September 2020. p. 30. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  2. ^ a b Jake Young at Soccerway
  3. ^ a b Loveridge, Ashley (31 October 2021). "Huddersfield fan Young takes the sting out of Bradford | Stroud Times". Stroud Times. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Guiseley teenager Jake Young snapped up by Sheffield United". www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk.
  5. ^ "Jake Young: "Guiseley Is Everything For Me"". Guiseley AFC. 16 January 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  6. ^ Charlesworth, Ricky (16 July 2020). "Sheffield United youngster signs contract at League Two club following release". Yorkshire Live. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Forest Green: Sheffield United's teenage striker Jake Young signs on two-year deal". BBC Sport. 16 July 2020.
  8. ^ a b c "Games played by Jake Young in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  9. ^ "Match Report: Forest Green Rovers 1-0 Stevenage". fgr.co.uk. 17 October 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  10. ^ a b Martin, Laurie; Palmer, Jon (2 April 2021). "Mark Cooper ahead of Bradford City away". Gloucestershire Live. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Games played by Jake Young in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  12. ^ Parker, Simon (20 May 2022). "Young "will thrive in Valley Parade spotlight", says former Bantam". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  13. ^ Parker, Simon (20 May 2022). "Striker Young ready to be Bradford City friend not foe after signing deal". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Bradford sign forward Young from Forest Green". BBC Sport. 20 May 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  15. ^ Atkinson, Nathan (15 June 2022). "City forward Young feels unique Hughes will help him flourish". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  16. ^ Parker, Simon (8 August 2022). "Young: Bradford City must stand up to the League Two bullies". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  17. ^ a b c "Games played by Jake Young in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  18. ^ Parker, Simon (9 September 2022). "Young keen to keep making case to stay in Bradford City firing line". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  19. ^ Parker, Simon (14 October 2022). "City striker in running for League Two's September goal of the month". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  20. ^ Parker, Simon (5 January 2023). "Hughes offers words of advice for Bradford City's forgotten man Young". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  21. ^ "Barrow sign Young on loan". Barrow AFC. 14 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  22. ^ Parker, Simon (14 January 2023). "City forgotten striker Young joins League Two rivals on loan". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  23. ^ "Barrow sign Bradford forward Young on loan". BBC Sport. 14 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  24. ^ Parker, Simon (16 January 2023). "What Barrow boss thinks of signing City striker Young on loan". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  25. ^ "City striker Young "showing his qualities" after slow start to Barrow loan". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  26. ^ Parker, Simon (2 June 2023). "Out-of-favour Jake Young's future at Bantams looks over". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  27. ^ Parker, Simon (17 July 2023). "Out-of-favour Bantams striker turns down loan offers". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  28. ^ Atkinson, Nathan (3 August 2023). "NATH'S NATTERS: Curious case of City's Young sees him now in last chance saloon". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  29. ^ "Town sign Jake Young". www.swindontownfc.co.uk. 2 August 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  30. ^ "Swindon sign Bradford striker Young on loan". BBC Sport. 2 August 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  31. ^ Atkinson, Nathan (2 August 2023). "City forward Young shipped off to Swindon on season-long loan". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  32. ^ "Swindon Town 6-0 Crawley Town: Young scores four as Swindon put six past Crawley Town". BBC. 26 August 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  33. ^ Parker, Simon (21 August 2023). "'He's got the ability to play at higher level': Praise for on-loan Jake Young". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  34. ^ Parker, Simon (5 September 2023). "Young and Eisa in the mix for League Two player of month award". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  35. ^ Parker, Simon (8 September 2023). "Jake Young opens up on "deflating" time at City after winning League Two award". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  36. ^ a b "See the Sky Bet League Two Manager and Player of the Month winners for August". www.efl.com. 8 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  37. ^ a b Parker, Simon (8 December 2023). "City on-loan striker Jake Young scoops another League Two award". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  38. ^ "Jake Young: I'm playing the best football of my career at Swindon". SkySports.
  39. ^ Parker, Simon (2 December 2023). "Bantams boss discusses potential return for Jake Young". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  40. ^ Parker, Simon (4 December 2023). "'It was mainly one man's opinion': Jake Young on his Bantams frustration". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  41. ^ "Jake Young Recalled". www.bradfordcityafc.com. 2 January 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  42. ^ "Bradford recall Jake Young". www.swindontownfc.co.uk. 2 January 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  43. ^ Parker, Simon (1 January 2024). ""If he was someone else's player, we'd be looking at him with jealous eyes"". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  44. ^ Parker, Simon (2 January 2024). "Former Bantam deserves credit for rejuvenating Jake Young". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  45. ^ Parker, Simon (5 January 2024). "League One clubs circle for Jake Young after City return". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  46. ^ Parker, Simon (7 January 2024). "SIMON PARKER'S VERDICT: City need to wake up and smell the coffee". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  47. ^ Parker, Simon (8 January 2024). "Jake Young latest: City turn down bid for striker". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  48. ^ Parker, Simon (10 January 2024). "'There is no chance of getting Jake Young in terms of his transfer fee'". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  49. ^ Parker, Simon (11 January 2024). ""No one has sat me down and told me you cannot pick Jake Young"". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  50. ^ Parker, Simon (13 January 2024). "Bantams reject another Young bid as Alexander bemoans Colchester draw". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  51. ^ "Jake Young latest: Carlisle have their say on "ridiculous" asking price". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 17 January 2024.
  52. ^ "'I don't like getting into spats with clubs': Carlisle apology over Jake Young". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 28 January 2024.
  53. ^ "City knock back third attempt to sign Jake Young". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 19 January 2024.
  54. ^ "More League One names thrown in hat for Jake Young pursuit". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 20 January 2024.
  55. ^ "Young returns to City training as Alexander talks potential new recruits". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 25 January 2024.
  56. ^ "'I don't want to hide anything': Alexander says he is speaking truth on Jake Young". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 26 January 2024.
  57. ^ "SIMON PARKER'S VERDICT: City wilt in Wiltshire amid growing discontent". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 28 January 2024.
  58. ^ "Jake Young's return can pull City out of their rut, says midfielder". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 29 January 2024.
  59. ^ "'That's a player we want in the team': Young making a difference for Bantams". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 31 January 2024.
  60. ^ "City team news: Alexander update on Jake Young and Tyreik Wright". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 8 February 2024.
  61. ^ "What's happening with Jake Young? Bantams boss gives update on striker". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 28 February 2024.
  62. ^ "Bantams take long-term view with injured striker Young". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 25 March 2024.
  63. ^ Parker, Simon (25 May 2022). "Bantams new boy Young could have been a smash at different sport". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  64. ^ a b "Games played by Jake Young in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  65. ^ "Mansfield Town 2–2 Forest Green Rovers: Draw seals title for Rovers". BBC Sport. 7 May 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
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