Jacob Brown is hoping Barnsley can begin to turn their poor form around tonight against the manager who first brought him into the first team squad.
Lee Johnson was impressed by Brown as a 17-year-old during his spell in charge at Oakwell in 2015 and 2016. The head coach let Brown train with the first team regularly and was set to put him on the bench before one of several injuries which plagued his early career.
Johnson returns to Oakwell tonight as Bristol City visit Barnsley live on Sky. Brown told the Chronicle: “Lee Johnson was the one who brought me into the first team and I got on with him really well. It’s a big game and it’s on Sky as well. We have all had a full week to get ready for it. Our performances have been better at home recently and we always get good support from the fans. We will work hard to cut out the mistakes and get a win.”
Brown netted his first goal of the season and first in the Championship on Saturday but it was a consolation strike in a 2-1 loss at Huddersfield Town. “It was a great feeling to get my first goal but, because we didn’t get the win, it was a bittersweet moment. We weren’t good enough."
Brown has enjoyed working under caretaker Adam Murray. He said: “Muz is a great guy. He’s changed the formation and, until Saturday, we had been playing really well. It’s down to us as players, we need to sort the performances out – big time – and start getting some wins.”
Brown began Saturday’s match at left wing-back then later played at right-back and on the right wing where he excelled last season having come through the youth system as a striker.
“It’s sometimes hard playing in different positions but, the way I play, I can play in different positions because I have that power and speed. “I don’t mind where I am playing as long as I am playing.”
