Interviews

Jenks: I learned a lot during Aberdeen loan

Midfielder spent last season at Pittodrie.

By Charlie Hanson • 03 July 2022

By James Boardman
Teddy Jenks returned to training this week.

Teddy Jenks said last season proved to be tough with Aberdeen, but he has taken a lot from the experience.

The 20-year-old finished his campaign on loan at Pittodrie with 24 appearances, scoring two important goals in wins over Livingston and St Johnstone.

“My favourite moment would be the debut goal against Livingston. But the most important was the goal against St Johnstone as I had been out of the team for three or four games before that, so to score the winner, that got me a run in the team.

“It was a difficult season personally. I didn’t get as much playing time as I would have liked, but I learned a lot and got to play in some big games. 

“I helped the team when I had the opportunity to and I want that to help me perform better here and be closer to the first team.”

The Dons finished tenth in the Scottish Premiership, their lowest finish since 2004.

“It was a tough year for everyone involved in the club, it was more of a rebuilding stage with a new owner and manager, as well as some new players,” Jenks continued. 

“It was difficult to settle in quickly because of that and I think the fans were frustrated that we couldn’t keep up with teams higher up the league. Every game they backed us though, they supported us and that was the important thing.

“It was tough because there were points in the season where we thought if we lost then the manager would go, so there is that pressure, on top of that you’re playing for one of the biggest teams in the country.” 

Teddy did get to experience European football though, as Aberdeen reached the final qualifying round of the Europa Conference League.

“There was some good games in Europe, we had to play in Sweden, Iceland and Azerbaijan which was cool. 

“It was different to anything I have experienced before and in some ways it was better than the domestic games. We went out in the final round though to Qarabag, they were unbelievable.”

Now Jenks wants to show the Albion first team staff how much his game has come on.

“I definitely feel closer to the first team picture, but I have also got a long way to go. I don’t know if you can ever be 100% ready for a Premier League first team, but it’s about maintaining your standards and being the best version of yourself in that environment.”