Jack James Blake (born 22 September 1994) is a professional footballer who currently plays for USL Championship side San Diego Loyal.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Jack James Blake[1] | ||
| Date of birth | (1994-09-22) 22 September 1994 (age 28) | ||
| Place of birth | Nottingham, England | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | San Diego Loyal | ||
| Number | 7 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2002–2004 | Notts County | ||
| 2004–2013 | Nottingham Forest | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2013–2015 | Nottingham Forest | 0 | (0) |
| 2013 | → Mansfield Town (loan) | 3 | (0) |
| 2016 | Minnesota United | 11 | (0) |
| 2017 | Jacksonville Armada | 27 | (10) |
| 2018 | Tampa Bay Rowdies | 6 | (1) |
| 2018 | → Real Monarchs (loan) | 17 | (1) |
| 2019–2020 | Real Monarchs | 38 | (9) |
| 2021– | San Diego Loyal | 51 | (8) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2011–2012 | Scotland U19 | 5 | (1) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21 October 2022 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 28 October 2019 | |||
Blake started his football career at the Notts County youth level before joining neighbours, Nottingham Forest at youth level from the under-10's team through to the club's academy. In May 2012, Blake was awarded his first professional contract with the club.[2] Blake then made a first team breakthrough when he was included in the bench for the senior team for the club's home game against Peterborough United on 12 January 2013.[3]
Blake was loaned for a month to county rivals, Mansfield Town on 19 October 2013.[4] He made his professional debut on 22 October 2013 during a 0–0 draw against Bury.[5] After making his professional debut, Blake expressed his happiness to make his debut.[6] After making three appearances for the club, Blake made his return to his parent club.[7] Despite rumors that Blake may returned to Mansfield Town on loan for the second time,[8] this was played down by manager Paul Cox.[9]
After his loan spell at Mansfield Town came to an end, Blake continued playing in the club's reserve until being released by the club at the end of the 2014–15 season.[10]
On 26 May 2016, Minnesota United announced that Blake had signed with the North American Soccer League club.[11] Seven days later on 2 June 2016, Blake scored his first Minnesota United debut (and his first professional goal) in the third round of US Open, winning 3–0 against Saint Louis.[12]
On 18 January 2017, it was reported that the Jacksonville Armada had signed Blake ahead of the NASL's 2017 season.[13] Blake was named the NASL's Young Player of the Year after recording nine goals and four assists with the Armada.[14]
On 8 February 2018, the Tampa Bay Rowdies announced they had received Blake on a season-long loan from Jacksonville.[15] A little over a month later, on 15 March 2018, he terminated his Armada FC contact, and joined the Rowdies on a permanent basis.[16]
On 19 June 2018, Blake moved on loan to Utah-based USL side Real Monarchs.[17]
Blake's moved to Salt Lake permanently ahead of their 2019 season, going on to captain Real Monarchs during their 2019 season.[18] He re-signed with the club on 18 December 2019 for the 2020 season.[19] He announced his departure from the club in December 2020.[20]
On 14 December 2019, Blake signed with USL Championship side San Diego Loyal.[21]
Though he was born in Nottingham, England, Blake is eligible to play for Scotland through his Scottish grandfather. In September 2011, Blake was called up by Scotland U19 and went on to make five appearances for the team.[22]
Blake earned his U.S. green card in 2019.[23] His status also qualifies him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Nottingham Forest | 2012–13 | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2013–14 | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2014–15 | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Mansfield Town (loan) | 2013–14 | League Two | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 0 | ||
| Minnesota United | 2016 | NASL | 11 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 12 | 1 | |||
| Jacksonville Armada | 2017 | 27 | 10 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | 29 | 11 | ||||
| Tampa Bay Rowdies | 2018 | USL | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 7 | 1 | |||
| Real Monarchs | 2018 | 17 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 17 | 1 | |||||
| Real Monarchs | 2019 | 25 | 8 | — | — | — | 4 | 3 | 29 | 11 | ||||
| Real Monarchs | 2020 | 13 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 13 | 1 | |||||
| Career total | 105 | 21 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 4 | 3 | 110 | 26 | ||
San Diego Loyal SC – current squad | |
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