Jack Shepherd

Jack Shepherd is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Barnsley. A ball-playing centre-half, Shepherd played non-League football with Penistone Church, Athersley Recreation and Pontefract Collieries, before turning professional with Barnsley in July 2023. Career Early career Shepherd played Northern Counties East League football for Penistone Church (over two spells) and Athersley Recreation. He was voted Wentworth Pewter Player of the Month at Penistone in October 2020. He joined Pontefract Collieries in the Northern Premier League Division One East in September 2021. He made his debut for Pontefract playing at left-back against Yorkshire Amateurs in the FA Trophy. He reverted to centre-half and earned comparisons to Paolo Maldini by Colls supporters as he scored three goals during some impressive performances during the 2022–23 season. He signed contract extensions in March 2022 and March 2023. He won the club's young player of the season for two consecutive years.