Chelsea’s Loan Army is celebrating a decade of collecting frequent flier miles, with some of its members reaching platinum status at this point. One of those is 26-year-old goalkeeper Jamal Blackman.
Blackman joined the Academy in 2006 at the U13 level, but has yet to progress beyond third goalkeeper for the first-team, collecting eight different loans during that time, including spells in England, Sweden, and the Netherlands. He split time at Vitesse and Bristol Rovers last season, making 10 appearances for the latter — his first competitive minutes in two years following a broken leg while on loan at Leeds United in 2018.
Next up for him will be a return to the Championship. Recently promoted Rotherham United have confirmed his season-long loan signing today.
SIGNING | Millers complete loan deal for Chelsea stopper
— Rotherham United (@OfficialRUFC) August 24, 2020
Welcome to Rotherham United, Jamal Blackman #rufc | #ForeverTogetherForeverProud https://t.co/jsEqmq1pGx
Before the injury, Blackman, who has one year left on his Chelsea contract (no word yet on an extension), looked to be in the ascendancy.
He had spent a productive season at Sheffield United — as the predecessor to Dean Henderson, who was loaned in the following season (and the season after) — while also excelling at League Two Wycombe Wanderers prior to that. That was four years ago now, which just underlines how much his career has gotten derailed recently.
But there is still time; he is still young, especially for a goalkeeper.
Good luck out there, Jamal!
It’s been a long 18 months away from a full season of football and to get myself back into the Championship on a season long loan with @OfficialRUFC I’m delighted to be here! I’m gonna put my everything in between those sticks to make sure we have a successful campaign ⚪️ #RUFC pic.twitter.com/Te8oquhFD5
— Jamal Blackman (@Big_Blacks) August 24, 2020