[BFC SITE] "The boys in front of me have done a tremendous job tonight" - Jackson Smith on...

Fixtures

• Northampton Town Vs. Barnsley - Tue, Feb 25 2025, 19:45

Reds goalkeeper Jackson Smith expressed his delight following a memorable full debut in the club's 2-1 victory over Northampton Town.


The 23-year-old stopper, who has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, was thrilled to finally get his chance between the sticks against the Cobblers on Tuesday night.

“I loved every minute of it, especially the first half," Smith said with a smile. "Having the fans behind us was incredible. Saturday was a special moment for me coming on as a substitute, but tonight’s topped it off. To get my full debut, it was really good. Now, I’m just looking forward to playing at Oakwell and experiencing that atmosphere.”

Smith's journey to his first league start for the Reds hasn’t been easy, but his dedication and hard work have been clear from day one. An unfortunate injury to Aston Villa loanee, Joe Gauci sustained against Rotherham United provided Smith with the gloves. "Since I've been at the Club, I’ve been battling away to get on the pitch, and there’s no way I was going to let this moment slip by," he added. "I’ve worked so hard, put in many hours, and although it was unfortunate what happened to Joe [Gauci], I wish him a speedy recovery. On a personal note, though, I’m absolutely buzzing to have made my debut, and I loved every minute of it."

Reflecting on the team's overall performance, Smith was full of praise for the defensive effort, particularly in the latter stages of the match. The Reds fell to ten men following Maël de Gevigney's dismissal late on, but the team held strong. “I knew they were going to dig in," he said. "We did it on Saturday, and I think we've really come together as a group. Especially in the last two games, we've shown great character in those final ten or fifteen minutes, defending resolutely. The boys in front of me have done a tremendous job tonight, and it was a great night for me personally.”

The 'keeper also highlighted the hard work put in on the training ground, particularly when it comes to defensive set-pieces and managing pressure situations late in games. "We've spent a lot of time working on that," he explained. "Hopefully, it’s coming across. The process we’ve been working on back at Oakwell is showing. The last ten minutes of a game never feel comfortable, but we all know that the person next to you has got your back, and that makes for a really solid team environment."

For Smith, this opportunity has been a long time coming, and he’s eager to make an impression as he takes on a big run of matches. “For me, it’s the best time I could possibly come in," he said. "There’s a big chunk of games coming up, and I’m excited to get out there, show people what I’m really about, and demonstrate the passion I have for the Club.”

And with the support of the Barnsley faithful firmly behind him, Smith is eager to continue making his mark. "I think my smile says it all," he concluded. "I can’t wait to get out on Oakwell and show what I’m about. I’ve spent a lot of time with the fans in the community, and I know how much the Club means to people. I want to try and repay that on the pitch. It’s such a passionate fan base, and I hope to fit in with that passion. I’m only looking forward to it, and I can’t wait."

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He deserved a clean sheet last night for how well he dealt with situations.

He was supposedly brought in as our future number one and he's played plenty of EFL games, so not a novice.

 

Did his job well and deserves to keep his place. Hope he gets a run now, we need to look after our own.

 

I thought his handling was good, his kicking was probably the best of the keepers we've tried. He didn't have huge amounts to do, but was good enough to keep the gloves.

The question that does spring to mind though, is why on earth have we bought in two poor to average loan keepers when we could have been giving this lad game time?

 

Looks a good promising keeper and deserves to keep his place in team

 

Good to see a positive attitude. Good lad.

 

I know it's only a game and abit but the lad looks at least the equal to the two prem loans we have spent money on this season. Seen the interview spoke very well seems a level headed lad give the experience to one of our own,good luck Jackson.

 

So he's looking forward to the atmosphere on Saturday.
So are we.

 

The only explanation can be Clarke not fancying him - had him at Walsall too I assume.

EDIT - turns out he didn't if Wiki is to be believed.