Barnsley sporting director Mladen Sormaz has confirmed that loanee Jack Shepherd is firmly in the club’s plans for the 2025–26 League One season, following a hugely impressive year-long stint at Bradford City.
The 24-year-old defender, who joined the Bantams on loan last August, has been one of League Two’s standout performers this term, racking up 48 appearances across all competitions. Though a minor groin issue kept him out of last weekend’s derby at Doncaster, Shepherd is being closely monitored ahead of Bradford’s pivotal clash with Fleetwood—where a win would clinch automatic promotion.
From Non-League to First-Team Plans
Shepherd’s journey is a testament to persistence and development. Having risen from non-league football with Pontefract Collieries, he initially signed for Barnsley in 2023. After a brief spell at Cheltenham Town under future Reds head coach Darrell Clarke, he returned to Oakwell before being loaned to Valley Parade for the current campaign.
Sormaz, reflecting on the defender’s trajectory, was full of praise for the player’s progress.
“That would be my plan. He has done brilliantly,” said Sormaz. “One of the things Conor (Hourihane) asked me as we were having a coffee was ‘what elements of the job do you like?’ and that might be my favourite.
“Because I didn’t sign him, but saw something in pre-season and thought he is probably not going to be quite in the first team, but this kid has got a chance.
“And what he has gone and done is absolutely amazing. We are really proud of him and looking forward to having him back.”
Shepherd remains under contract at Oakwell until summer 2026, with Barnsley holding an option to extend for a further year. The club chose not to activate a recall clause during the January window, instead allowing him to continue gaining experience during Bradford’s promotion push.
Building for the Future at Oakwell
Barnsley are expected to revamp their defensive options this summer, and Shepherd’s commanding displays in West Yorkshire have positioned him as a ready-made solution. His consistency, physicality, and leadership at the back have earned him plaudits—and made his return to Oakwell a logical step forward.
As Barnsley aim to bounce back from a frustrating League One campaign, integrating hungry, battle-tested talent like Shepherd could prove a vital part of their strategy.
Writer’s View
Jack Shepherd’s rise reflects the smart strategy often hidden beneath lower-league loan moves. Instead of recalling him mid-season, Barnsley let the defender flourish in a high-pressure environment—and they now look set to reap the benefits. With League One experience under his belt and promotion pedigree potentially incoming, Shepherd’s return comes at the perfect time as the Reds seek a fresh foundation for next season.
