Scottish Youth International Jack Blake Joins Minnesota United

Photo credit: Nottingham Forest

Former Nottingham Forest midfielder and Scottish youth international Jack Blake has signed with Minnesota United. Blake had been with Forest since graduating from the academy in 2013. Per team and league policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"From the first moment that I arrived at the club I just knew this was where I wanted to be," Blake said. "I loved the professionalism of the organization, the expectations of the management team, and the great quality of the squad. I'm delighted to be here and be part of what this club is doing. "

Born in England but with a Scottish grandfather, Blake has dual nationality. At the age of 15 he represented Scotland at the U-19 European Championships and he’s also played for the Scots in Slovenia and Norway.

A central midfielder, Blake came through the ranks of the famous English club Nottingham Forest, twice winners of the European Cup.  He was a Forest Academy player from the age of seven and also experienced training and playing opportunities at major clubs as part of his unique development. These clubs included Atletico Madrid (Spain), Deportivo La Coruna (Spain), Brescia (Italy), and AZ Alkmaar (Holland).

After joining the Nottingham senior team, Blake was immediately loaned to League Two side Mansfield Town, a fellow Nottinghamshire club. Blake made his professional debut on October 22, 2013 with a 0-0 draw to Bury. He would make three appearances for the Stags before returning to Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2013-14 season.

“Jack is very technical, an aggressive, defensive midfielder that can move the ball,” United coach Carl Craig said. "He came from Nottingham Forest where he worked under England legend Stuart Pearce. He has youthful enthusiasm coupled with great technique.”

Blake has been training with the Minnesota United first team over the past several weeks.

"After a couple of weeks training, I fell in love with the city and can't wait to get to know more about Minnesota and its people. Everyone I've met has made me feel really welcome, particularly the club’s fans, and I can't wait to pull the shirt on and start playing. "

Blake will be available to be on the roster for United’s match this weekend against the Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday night at NSC Stadium. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.