Jamal Blackman enjoying getting back to football after injury-ravaged Leeds United spell

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Jamal Blackman never got a chance to shine at Leeds United. Signed on loan from Chelsea in the summer of 2018 the 6ft 6ins talent arrived to compete with Bailey Peacock-Farrell for the number one spot at Elland Road. 

Unfortunately, he arrived out of condition for Marcelo Bielsa’s incredibly high standards. Then, when Blackman was all set to get a chance for Leeds in the league, he broke his leg. 

But the Leeds boss was a huge fan, even telling the YEP that Blackman is England’s best young goalkeeper. 

“I say that Blackman is the best English young goalkeeper, not because I made this conclusion myself. I’m repeating the opinion of specialists on the subject.

“I’m very sad for him. He’s a great person, a great goalkeeper. He made a huge effort to do what we asked him to do. To give you an example, he lost 12 kilos. This indicates his level of application as a professional.”

Blackman was sent back to Chelsea, where he remains under contract, having played just two EFL Cup games for Leeds.

Blackman has since moved on and recently played his first game since an August 2018 clash against Preston with Leeds. The 26-year-old joined Bristol Rovers on loan in January, following the end of a training spell with Vitesse in the Netherlands. He has since established himself as the alternative for injured number one Anssi Jaakola. 

Speaking to the Bristol Post, in two different interviews this week, Blackman has spoken about his recovery from injury and hopes for the future. 

“I’m happy to be playing football again and being back on the pitch, and even in the warm up for my debut I was just happy to be outside and be part of a match day preparation and the game…

“…For me, having such a big injury when I was at Leeds, I’m coming back to get games and trying to prove I can still play games and push what I can do.”

TBR’s View

Leeds United fans will no doubt be pleased to hear that Blackman is finally getting back into action. His time at Elland Road ended in the cruelest of fashions, just as Bielsa was ready to give him a real first-team opportunity. 

Hopefully, he can continue to thrive at Bristol Rovers and finally secure himself a permanent place to play regular football after seven loan spells away from Stamford Bridge.