JONO Bland is looking forward to his first busy festive period as a professional footballer.
A year ago, the 20-year-old was battling to get into loan club Peterborough Sports’ starting line-up in the National League North.
But 2025 has seen him break into the Reds team under Conor Hourihane.
Bland told the Chronicle: “As a professional for Barnsley it’s my first proper Christmas that I am involved in games.
“Last year I was training a lot over this period.
“Playing as many games as you can is the best thing about football.
“If I could play every three days, I would.
“We can also put away bad performances quite quickly.
“We have a big chance on Boxing Day to prove we’re better than we played at Exeter (a 3-0 loss on Saturday).”
Bland’s preferred position is central midfield but he has been used as a right-back often including in recent games due to injuries.
“I think tactically there are elements to why I have been playing there.
“When I do play there, I just want to be the best I can and help the team to get points.
“Because I play a little bit higher, I try to affect the game more with goals or assists like at Lincoln.
“I have done a lot of work on the timing of when to go where.
“It’s a lot to do with mentality and decision-making.
“I am learning every day and trying to get better, watching games back.”
Bland is still looking for his first goal in professional football, having hit the post this season against Rotherham, Brighton and Wycombe.
“I have been waiting for it.
“I think it might be a case of thinking about it too much.
“It will come, it’s just about waiting for it to happen rather than snatching at things and forcing it to happen.”
Bland has been working closely with head coach Hourihane on improving his game.
He said: “A lot of it is game understanding and being able to handle the tempo.
“The English game at the minute is very psychical, football is becoming a running game.
“You have to be better physically and I am trying to do that.
“It will come. I listen to Conor and go away and do extra work to prepare myself for hopefully a long career.”
