Bossing It

Jake, 23, has signed on the dotted line for Derek for the second summer in succession, coming to Home Park after a year in the Scottish Premiership with Ross County. 

He said: “I enjoyed that a lot and did really well under him so, when I got the call, it was something I was very interested in. It didn’t take long to come down and get it sorted.

“It was a good experience. I’ve played League 1 and League 2 in England and playing at Celtic Park and places like that was really good. It’ll be good to get back to England, though.”

As well as playing in Scotland – and Turkey – Jake was loaned out by his first senior club, Birmingham, no fewer than seven times to English lower league teams , who appreciated his all-round contribution.

He said: “I’ve been at a lot of clubs, seen a lot of different things and experienced a lot of stuff – now it’s about stability and playing games.

“I think I’m good on the ball and I’m quite quick, as well, considering my size, so I look to use that, getting in behind and get on the ball as much as I can to get goals.

“It’s not just about goals but, at the same time, that’s what everyone gets judged on as a striker.

“You have got to bring a lot more than that nowadays. You have got to be able to hold the ball up and be a threat in behind; even something as simple as winning throw-ins down the side and keeping hold of the ball. That’s what you have got to do in these kind of leagues.”

Somewhat remarkably, Jake has made a habit of hitting the ground running wherever he has played, scoring on debut for seven different clubs.

“I just tend to have a knack of doing it,” he said. “Hopefully, touch wood, I can do that again and keep it going throughout the season.”