[BFC SITE] Jaló: Conor has given me confidence

Following Barnsley’s impressive 4-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Oakwell on Saturday afternoon, young forward Fabio Jalo reflected on a memorable performance that saw him net twice and play a key role in the Reds’ attacking display.


“It feels amazing,” Jalo admitted. “It’s been a long time coming, especially after a tough period without a win. With a new coach and fresh ideas, it was great to get that result - and to contribute with two goals makes it even more special.”

Jalo’s first goal came from a well-worked move that the team had practised on the training pitch just a day earlier - a moment of preparation meeting execution. His second was a brilliant solo effort, showcasing his flair and sharp eye for goal.

“The first goal was something we actually worked on in training on Friday, so it was great to see that come off in the game,” he said. “The second one was more instinctive - I just saw the opportunity and went for it. It was a great feeling to see it hit the back of the net.”


It’s been a season of challenges for the 18-year-old, with injury setbacks limiting his game time. However, under Interim Head Coach Conor Hourihane, Jalo has been given the platform to thrive - and he’s certainly grasped the opportunity.

“Since Conor came in, he’s really given me confidence,” Jalo said. “Even before I played, he pulled me to one side, spoke to me, gave me belief - and that meant a lot. I’m just really grateful to him for giving me the chance to start.”

Beyond his goalscoring contribution, Jalo - like the rest of the team - put in a tireless shift off the ball. The Reds looked sharp, organised, and fully committed to their roles - something Jalo says has been a key focus in recent weeks.

“Conor made it clear this week that the last five games were about resetting and focusing on doing our jobs properly,” he explained. “Everyone knew what they needed to do, and we worked really hard for each other, even when we didn’t have the ball.”

The victory was not only a boost for the team’s play-off hopes but also a personal milestone for Jalo, who has had to overcome his first serious injury setback this season.

“It’s been tough,” he admitted. “Earlier in the season, it was mentally challenging - especially being my first big injury. I was out for four months, which felt like a long time. But now I’m just happy to be back on the pitch, playing, scoring, and hopefully finishing the season strong.”

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18???

He's been 19 since November, so just the half a year to get his age right.

Can we start proof reading please as mistakes happen all the time.

 

I liked this bit

"The victory was not only a boost for the team’s play-off hopes..."

Just wow

 

I love the optimism.

 

Boost for play off hopes? Who writes this sh ite?

 

That will be the play off hopes for next season then?

 

AI would be my guess, because if it was an actual human they would have been fired long since.

 

Well mathematically we can still equal Reading's point total in 6th, but have to make up 12 goals in GD on them. That last game of the season could be a right nail biter.

 

He's actually 83 but he moves well for an octogenarian.

 

The original link no longer works. However they have now corrected his age and removed play off talk.

https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2025/april/12/jal---/

 

Whatever will they come up with next lol.
Maybe they will try to tell us that he's from Port Vale, rather than having Portuguese in him.
And that he's even going to have a match with Big Daddy, at next weeks Wrestlemania.