For Jack Shepherd, the experience of finishing school – or rather, finishing his education as a footballer – has been a journey filled with learning, growth, and a bit of self-restraint. Now in his first season with Bradford City on loan from Barnsley FC, the 23-year-old central defender is adapting to life in League One after making the jump from non-league football, a step that has proven to be both challenging and rewarding.
One of the key lessons for Shepherd recently has been managing his discipline. In Bradford’s recent Yorkshire derby against Doncaster Rovers, Shepherd picked up an early booking for dissent, much to the dismay of his manager, Graham Alexander. The yellow card ruled him out of Bradford’s subsequent match against Fleetwood, but after serving his time on the sidelines, Shepherd is back in action for today’s fixture against Colchester United in north Essex. Despite this setback, the young defender remains focused on his development and improving every aspect of his game.
Shepherd’s rise from the humble beginnings of non-league football to the professional ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting his career at Pontefract Collieries, he made his way up through the ranks before earning a move to Barnsley. His first season at Oakwell, spent with the senior squad in League One, was understandably a period of adjustment, but his loan to Cheltenham Town last season gave him the opportunity to gain vital experience in the professional game. Now, back in the third tier with Bradford City, he has shown that he can be a key figure in the lower leagues.
“I’ve had to really believe in myself,” Shepherd said, reflecting on his journey. “It was a huge jump going from non-league football to Barnsley. It’s important to stay grounded and not get too ahead of yourself, but at the same time, I’ve worked hard to get here, and I have to back myself.” Shepherd is certainly doing just that, continuing to show why he’s a player on the rise in the Football League.
One of the key factors in Shepherd’s progress has been the guidance of Bradford’s assistant manager, Chris Lucketti. A former central defender who played for clubs such as Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, and Preston North End, Lucketti’s experience and insight have been invaluable to Shepherd’s development. Lucketti has worked with Shepherd on improving his positioning, reading of the game, and other technical aspects of his defending. The pair often review match footage together, a process Shepherd believes has helped accelerate his learning.
“We’re always going through clips after games,” said Shepherd. “Skip (Lucketti) is great; he pulls me aside in training and talks to me about positioning and what I can do better. I’ve learned a lot from him already, and as a young player, it’s invaluable to have someone like that to help you grow. I try to be like a sponge, absorbing everything I can.”
This approach has clearly had a positive impact on Shepherd’s game. While his first professional season had its fair share of growing pains, the 23-year-old is now starting to show his true potential. His ability to take in feedback and apply it on the field is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed, and he credits much of his improvement to Lucketti’s mentorship.
Additionally, Shepherd has kept in touch with his parent club Barnsley, where his two-year contract is set to expire next summer, with an option for a further year. The feedback from Barnsley has been encouraging, with Shepherd receiving praise for his performances and advice to keep working hard. “I’ve spoken to the manager at Barnsley and a few of the lads there. They’ve been keeping track of my progress, and the message is always the same: keep your head down, stay focused, and keep working hard.”
Shepherd’s determination to continue developing and his commitment to improving each day are clear, and with his experience at Bradford City, he’s positioning himself to make a real impact in the higher levels of the Football League. As he continues to grow both as a player and as a professional, it’s clear that his journey is just beginning – and, with the right mindset and continued guidance, the sky could be the limit for the young central defender.
