Bland

Young Fabio will be getting the attention and that’s to be expected today. But it was another very impressive showing from Jono this afternoon. He’s out of position don’t forget. Looks like he’s been playing at the level for years.

Big credit to Conor and Tom Harban for giving him this opportunity that he’s grabbing with both hands. Nothing better in my eyes, than an academy lad making his way into the first team and thriving.

And well done to Bobby Hassell and his staff too. Great to see all of Bland, Flavell and Jalo in the starting XI against one of the biggest clubs in the division and look the part.

 

The young lads did us proud, again. I really like Bland as a full back, and to be honest, I've been hoping we'd go to a back 4 for a while. I thought Earl had a decent game on the left too, so hopefully we stick with that.

 

Is Bland a Barnsley born lad? I know he’s been in the academy for a long time but wondered if he was from the town.

I was thinking today he could be another Bobby Hassell. Nothing spectacular but does the basics well & seems to be very versatile.

 

Fabio and Bland were great today. Flavell scares me especially on crosses got away with another today. Only young lads granted and looking forward to seeing how they develop.

 

I'm pretty sure I heard Jackson Smith say he went to same school as him on the commentary. If that's correct then he's a midlands lad.

 

Born in Shrewsbury. Played with WBA youth until joining in 2022.

 

What’s his natural position?
It’s very exciting that a lad from the youth set up is getting a chance & seemingly grabbing it with both hands!

Long term this needs to happen more often.

 

All the youngsters were excellent today. They have adapted really well and have definitely earned the right to be starting.

 

Terrific game today outstanding

 

I've been really impressed with Bland since he came in, he looks very astute for his age and reads the game extremely well.

I haven't seen much of the youngsters these last few years so I don't know if he's reflective of the level that more of them are at, but I've also been impressed with Barratt when he's played. If they're a good reflection of the standard, then I have to wonder why the hell we've been recruiting the players we have, because I'd much rather we be giving the game time to these lads.

 

Bland plays with a confidence about him. Would like to see him play in his ‘ usual’ position though.

 

I believe he's a holding midfielder by trade.

 

I did suggest pre-Conor that we move to a back four and that Earl would be ideal at left back. We have to have a solid foundation. That’s how you build a good team. From the back. If they’re secure, the other six ahead of them will play freer, less angsty. And that’s what we had today. A solid backline. No frills. Defend first.

Josh can play. He’s decent on the ball, nice left peg and likes to get involved when possible. He lacks pace and sometimes overplays which puts him in bother. But it’s less damaging in that position.

As for Bland, his experience as a midfielder shows. In terms of composure and confidence on the ball. I think that position is his now, if we are sticking with this formation. I wouldn’t trust Corey as a full back.

 

Solid game from Bland again, he's looked the part every time I've seen him. Difficult to criticise anyone today to be honest.

 

There's also Yoganathan, Shepherd, Lopata and Lofthouse to come back from loan. I also liked the look of Nathan James and Theo Chapman in the under 21s when they played last season.

 

Yes, drop that clown O'Keefe; hopefully get someone in so that he doesn't even make the bench.

 

He’s slotted in so well. Speaks volumes that Hourihane trusts him at full back more than O’Keeffe.

 

Got to say that Blandy was that good, he just kinda went unnoticed as an academy lad. And I mean that positively.

Just slotted in, no fuss, no mistakes and no drama.

If we started with Flavell, Barrett, Bland and Jalo next year, I don’t think there’d be any complaints from the fans - which is why it’s important they’re blooded now to get the experience and mistakes out of them.

 

O’Keeffe offers more going forward.

As a 442 or 443 O’Keeffe in front of Bland on the LH side works well for me.