Jake Young says he is not thinking about being recalled by Bradford in January after a sparkling first half of the season on loan at Swindon.
In just a short span, he has already delivered three assists, an impressive start that may have gone unnoticed amidst the fervor. However, the true significance of his prolific initiation into the league came less than two minutes into his debut against Crewe on August 12, where he swiftly found the back of the net. The predominant emotion coursing through him at that moment was relief.
A mere 10 days before donning the Robins’ jersey, Young had found himself sidelined at Bradford. The previous summer had seen him commit to a three-year deal at Valley Parade, yet his contributions were limited to a trifling three league starts before a loan spell at Barrow consumed the latter half of the season.
Under different circumstances, he might have been gearing up for a Grimsby clash with the Bantams, the club he had recently left. Reflecting on this juncture, the 22-year-old expressed to Sky Sports, “It was a relief and a bit of a reassurance to myself that I still have it and I’m still a good player.” His subsequent performances underscored the impact of this newfound confidence, revealing the latent potential he had been eager to showcase.
The exhilaration of scoring four goals against Crawley was tinged with a sense of disappointment, not for the lack of personal achievement but for the missed opportunity to secure a hat-trick. As he recounted, the desire lingered, keeping him awake that night. A week later, the coveted chance materialized.
The second goal against Crawley ignited an earnest quest for the elusive hat-trick. Balancing the thrill of personal accomplishments with team priorities, Young exemplified a striker’s relentless pursuit of goals. The third goal was a euphoric milestone, and the fourth was a delightful bonus that encapsulated a game where everything he touched found the back of the net.
While reveling in his success, Young remains vigilant against complacency. He acknowledges the ebbs and flows of a football season, wisely stating, “It feels good, but it’s not time to get complacent; I’ve had a good month, but there’s another nine of them this season, so nine more like that would be alright!”
His reflections on his time at Bradford reveal a seasoned perspective, affirming that he won’t take success for granted. Despite the deflating experience, he maintains an unwavering focus, cognizant that challenges are inherent in a footballer’s journey.
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