BROWN DETERMINED TO HIT NEW HEIGHTS AFTER AWARD HONOUR
JACOB Brown claimed Stoke City’s player of the season award before declaring he is ‘nowhere near’ to reaching his full potential.
The former Barnsley man has unquestionably been his side’s outstanding performer throughout the campaign, chipping in with a career high 14 goals in all competitions – and has been rewarded with a new contract until 2025.
His performances have catapulted him on to the international scene with Scotland, for whom he made his debut for last year.
Speaking after being announced as the club’s player of the season following the 1-1 draw with Coventry, Brown was understandably delighted to claim the honour, but admitted there was still plenty more to come.
“It has been a really positive season from a personal point of view. I have improved a lot and had a lot of rewards for that, so hopefully I can take that into next season now,” he told The Sentinel.
“I am so motivated, and to receive this award, which is chosen by the supporters means the world to me. We play for the fans, so for them to recognise me in this way is incredibly special.
“I always give my all whether that be in matches or in training - it is just how I am, and I would like to think the supporters see that I give everything I have every time I take to the field.
“I feel like I am nowhere near my full potential - I have improved for sure, but there is still so much more improvement in me, and I am so determined to maximise everything I have.”
Brown is now preparing for a likely call up to the Scotland squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifying playoff against Ukraine next month.
He joined Stoke in the summer of 2020 with a view to developing potential spotted by scouts and coaches have praised his work ethic as he strives to get better.
A new extended contract was confirmed before kick-off and he said: “I’m buzzing that it’s all sorted and it’s now official. It’s a testament I believe to how well I’ve done this season – I feel like I’ve improved a lot and feel like I can improve even more.
“To cement my future here and be focussed on what we can achieve in the future feels good.”
Brown is the first Stoke player since the 2007/08 promotion season to score more than 12 times in a season.
Assistant manager Dean Holden added: “Jacob has had a stand out season in terms of his goals return but he brings so much more to the team than just goals.
“The key thing for him is that he has so much more development in him and a real desire to improve. He loves being at the Club as he knows he’s at a place where we’re going to help him with his development.
“He will keep on improving and hopefully he will go on to get even more goals next season – that has to be the aim for him.”