JFH wins race to get Jebbison – and adds three more
HASSELBAINK LANDS TOP TARGETS IN BUSY EVENING
TEENAGE striker Daniel Jebbison was the talk of the transfer window outside the Premier League – and it was Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink who won the race to sign him.
The much-speculated loan deal was confirmed 10 minutes before the deadline on Tuesday although that involved a little dramatic licence, since pictures soon emerged of Hasselbaink and Jebbison with a Brewers scarf at St George’s Park.
Albion can be forgiven that after Hasselbaink’s patience – not his strongest trait, he claims – was rewarded.
Jebbison and his parents have been convinced that working under Hasselbaink will be the best way for the 18-year-old England Under18 and Under-19 international to develop what promises to be a big career.
“We are delighted to have got him in,” said Hasselbaink.
“It’s very refreshing to see that he has chosen us ahead of a lot of other big clubs and that he is thinking about his development with us.
“He has the backing of his parents, who we have to say have been fantastic, and the same with his agent, who has really been keen to help with his development.
“We’re expecting good things and a lot of hard work from him. I also have to say a big thank you to Sheffield United for trusting us.”
Jebbison said: “I’m buzzing to be signing for Burton.
“I can’t wait to get training and the hard work starts now.
“Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a manager who’s played at the highest standard and we got on really well when we first had a chat and have lots in common.
“I think I have a lot I can learn from him and that’s why I thought coming to Burton is the best move as he can help to develop me as a striker.”
Three other arrivals on deadline day had not been the subject of speculation at all, as Hasselbaink brought centre-half Sam Hughes back from Leicester City for a second loan spell, secured the services, also on loan, of Blackburn Rovers attacking midfielder Harry Chapman and signed Birmingham City midfielder Charlie Lakin on a three-year deal.
It was frantic stuff as Hasselbaink pulled a succession of rabbits out of the hat to boost his injuryhit squad. Hughes is already well-known to and wellliked by Albion fans after his sterling efforts on loan in the first half of last season.
Hughes did not play for Hasselbaink in his last spell, having injured his cruciate ligament against Doncaster Rovers last season, a few weeks before the Dutchman’s arrival.
He will not initially be ready to play and his loan is until January.
“We all know Sam – he had a magnificent time here before he got injured,” said Hasselbaink.
“He’s still injured but we know what he can bring and we need to be a little bit patient with him.
“We definitely think we can get him fit and then he will be a great force for us.”
Hughes wanted to come back: “I’m delighted to be returning – even though my time last year was cut short due to my injury, I couldn’t have enjoyed my time any more,” he said.
“It’s an amazing club with great people who gave me the opportunity to play league football.
“I’m really excited and ambitious and I want to help the club achieve its goals this season.
“I’m doing everything I can to get back to full fitness in the near future and I just want to say a huge thank you to the fans for all your support, I’ll see you soon.”
Chapman was outstanding against Burton for Shrewsbury Town last season.
A former England under-20 international who played with Bryn Morris at Middlesbrough before moving to Rovers in 2017, he scored seven times in 23 League games as Shrewsbury pulled away from relegation danger a little earlier than Burton last season.
“We were looking for a number 10, a creative player who can score goals and he’s that kind of player,” said Hasselbaink.
“He’s somebody that we’ve liked for a long time and is a very exciting signing for us.
“Hopefully, he can get settled and get going really quickly.”
“I spoke to the gaffer earlier and he basically sold me the club,” said Chapman.
“I grew up playing with Bryn Morris when I was younger – he’s said the physical demands in training here are quite high but that it’s very enjoyable.
“It’s a tough league – it’s open to anyone. I’m a direct player and, hopefully, I’m someone who can get the fans off their seats.”
Lakin was the last one announced, at 11.15 on Tuesday night. Clearly, he had been on Hasselbaink’s list of targets for a while.
Born in Solihull, Lakin was with Walsall as a young boy but was still only nine when he joined Birmingham in 2008. He has gone on to play 16 times for the Blues’ senior side.
“It’s been going for a few weeks now so I’m really happy to get it over the line and done,” said Lakin.
“I’ve had conversations with the manager and Dino (Maamria) and they were keen to get me here. I’m looking forward to working with them. I’m a central midfielder, leftfooted, box to box, I look to create and score goals but I’ve also got the nitty-gritty side to me, which I’m sure the fans will see.”
“We’re really pleased to get Charlie in – he’s a midfielder of good calibre and he’s been building a lot of experience,” said Hasselbaink.
“His agent has been helpful in getting the deal done and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
What a window, then, from Hasselbaink. When a few of the injured players are back in action, the competition in the squad looks ferocious.
We were looking for a creative player who can score goals and Chapman is that sort of player.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink