Jamie Shackleton describes Championship ‘advantage’ that could help him and Leeds United this season
Playing in the Championship last season will provide some “know-how” and an “advantage,” according to Leeds United ace Jamie Shackleton.
The 23-year-old midfielder has played his way into Daniel Farke’s plans after spending last season on loan away from Leeds and returning in the summer, with the club now no longer in the Premier League and with a new head coach at the helm.
He made the temporary switch from West Yorkshire to Millwall last season, and therefore spent his campaign in the Championship, the division the Whites now find themselves in, featuring for the Lions.
Shackleton made 36 appearances in England’s second tier last term and believes this experience will help him this year.
“I think the loan down at Millwall definitely helped. I got minutes, vital minutes in the Championship which is a tough, tough division and I think they’ve definitely helped me,” the player told the Leeds United Podcast, via the club’s official YouTube channel (8 September).
“I think that obviously most of the teams we’re going to play this year, the grounds we’re going to travel to, I was there last year and played. It helps, it’s a bit of an advantage, a bit of know-how. They’re always tough in the Championship, no game is ever easy, is it? I think it helps”
Experience
It is clear that Shackleton spending last season in the Championship would have made him a valuable option for Farke this season. England’s top and second leagues are two very different prospects and experience in the division is very important. With a promotion specialist at the helm and a player who has that experience in abundance, it offers the Whites a valuable advantage.
Mixing this with some Premier League quality creates a very strong squad and supporters at Elland Road will be hopeful the club can achieve promotion at the first time of asking.
It is apparent so far that Shackleton’s claims hold some truth after a strong start to the season on a personal note for the 23-year-old. He has been performing well and repaying his manager’s faith in him, and fans will hope this can continue as the season goes on.
Shackleton in particular will be looking forward to the club’s trip to the Den.
In other Leeds United news, one of the club’s stars could look to grab his chance internationally after recent developments.