Jacob Bancroft is no stranger to a first-team environment after spending a large chunk of time with the first-team squad this season.
Bancroft was handed his first professional contract alongside fellow graduates Luke Haines, Ralph Graham and Archie Matthews; however, the quick and strong striker is the only one to have played minutes for the first-team so far.
He came off the bench in Town’s 3-0 win over Colchester and sees his contract another important step in his development:
“I’m buzzing – previously I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, not made the cut at certain clubs and to come here be given that opportunity, and having made my debut, it’s a big thing for me and my family.
“I’m happy that I’ve, not so much, achieved my dream but got to this point. I’m looking forward to the next step.”
Bancroft’s stint in the first-team made a huge difference to his form and standing in the youth team.
“It’s been a huge learning curve for me. At certain points in the season, I wasn’t even making the youth team so to take that on board, go into a first-team environment where points really matter, and good performances mean you keep your shirt, it’s been a great experience.
“Being with the Gaffer and the other boys who welcomed me has been really good for me because I’ve gone in at such a young age.”
Upon making his debut back in March, first-team manager, Richie Wellens was full of praise for the youngster:
“Jacob has done great in training in the last 10 days. It’s tough on Marc Richards because I want to get him on the pitch and keep him ticking over.
“It was a good chance to get an academy graduate on the pitch, and he deserves his debut because he’s trained well.”
