Jonathan Bland
Jonathan Patrick Richard Bland is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Barnsley. He is a Wales Under-21 international.
Early life
Born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire Jonathan Bland qualifies for Wales through his paternal grandparents who hail from Pembrokeshire.He was educated at Belvidere School, Shrewsbury, and as well as football he played for Shrewsbury Cricket Club and represented Shropshire at cricket up to U14.
Career
After spending nearly 10 years at West Bromwich Albion, Bland joined Barnsley's academy in January 2022.In his first full season at the club he was named Academy Player of the Season, captained the U18s to their first ever Professional Development League title and made his international debut for Wales U19s against Sweden.
He made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy against Manchester City EDS at Oakwell on 26 September 2023, coming on as a 68th-minute substitute. He made his first senior start in the same competition the following season, against Manchester United U21s at Oakwell on 20 August 2024.
Bland signed a Professional contract with Barnsley in January 2024.
In November 2024, he signed a short term loan deal with National League North side Peterborough Sports until 1 January 2025, which was subsequently extended until the end of the 2024–25 season.
In February 2025, Bland was recalled from loan returning to Barnsley making his EFL League One debut in the 1–1 home draw with Cambridge United on 22 March, coming on as a 19th minute substitute. The following week he made his first league start in another 1–1 draw, away at Wigan Athletic.
At the end of the 2024–25 season he was named Barnsley's Young Player of the Year along with fellow Academy Graduates Kieren Flavell & Fabio Jalo.